Spencer, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 69 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 69-4
Definitions
Operative Text
For the purpose of this chapter, certain terms or words herein shall be interpreted as follows: DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICE An act that is unlawful under §§ 69-5 , 69-6 and 69-7 . DWELLING Any building, structure or portion thereof which is occupied as or designed or intended for occupancy as a residence by one or more families and any vacant land which is offered for sale or lease for the construction or location thereon of any such building, structure or portion thereof. FAMILY Includes a single individual. PERSON Includes one or more of individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, labor organizations, legal representatives, mutual companies, joint-stock companies, trusts, unincorporated organizations, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers and fiduciaries. TO RENT Includes to lease, to sublease, to let and otherwise to grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises not owned by the occupant.
Section 69-4 of Spencer, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 69 establishes the foundational definitions that govern the rest of the chapter's fair housing rules. Key terms such as "dwelling," "family," "person," and "to rent" are given broad meanings — for example, a single individual qualifies as a "family," and "to rent" covers leasing, subleasing, and other arrangements granting occupancy rights for consideration. These definitions shape how the prohibitions and requirements in §§ 69-5, 69-6, and 69-7 are applied throughout the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Spencer, N.Y., Code of Ordinances § 69-4, the definitions that apply to this chapter are intentionally broad, meaning that a wide range of property types, transaction structures, and parties fall within the chapter's scope. Operators who lease, sublease, or otherwise grant occupancy rights for compensation are generally considered to be "renting" under this provision, and the term "dwelling" encompasses most residential buildings and structures. Compliant operators typically familiarize themselves with these definitions to understand which of their properties and practices are subject to the fair housing obligations set out in §§ 69-5, 69-6, and 69-7.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 69-4 of Spencer, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 69 defines terms in ways that extend protections broadly — for instance, a single person living alone qualifies as a "family," and a wide variety of living arrangements qualify as a "dwelling." This means that many renters, subtenants, and others paying for the right to occupy a residence may be covered by the fair housing rules that follow in §§ 69-5, 69-6, and 69-7. Tenants who believe these definitions apply to their situation and that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization or a housing agency for general information about available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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