Troy, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 177 § 177-3
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: MANAGING AGENT Any individual or individuals, partnership or corporation or any similar type of business organization who accepts responsibility for and control of a building. OWNER Any individual or individuals, partnership or corporation or any similar type of business organization, whether for profit or otherwise, in whose name title to a building stands, including a mortgagee or vendee in possession, assignee of rents, receiver, executor, trustee, lessee, agent or any other person, firm or corporation directly or indirectly in control of the property. PROCESS A summons or any notice, mandate or any other paper process issued under any provision of the Code of the City of Troy or any law or regulation of the State of New York. RENTAL PROPERTY Any building containing residential units which are either rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied for residential or mixed use (commercial-residential), and are nonowner occupied. For any rental property to be considered owner-occupied, the owner must prove that all individual owners, all partners, or all shareholders of a corporation actually have their principal residence at the rental property and reside therein on a full-time basis, it being the actual domicile of all individual owners, all partners, or all shareholders. At the request of the City, any owner who claims to occupy the rental property shall provide a sworn affidavit providing the necessary information to support his or her claim that the premises are owner-occupied. RENTAL UNIT A residential unit occupied by a party other than an owner. RESIDENTIAL UNIT One or more rooms with provision for sanitary and sleeping facilities, for food preparation, for living and for working. TENANT A party whose right to possession of a rental unit is subject to the express or implied consent of the owner.
Section 177-3 of Troy, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 177 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the chapter's rental property regulations. Key terms such as 'Owner,' 'Managing Agent,' 'Rental Property,' 'Rental Unit,' and 'Tenant' are each given specific legal meanings that govern how the rest of the chapter applies. Notably, a property is only considered 'owner-occupied'—and thus potentially exempt from certain rental property rules—when every owner, partner, or shareholder actually maintains their full-time principal residence there. These definitions shape who bears regulatory responsibilities and who holds tenant rights under the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 177-3, the definitions of 'Owner' and 'Managing Agent' are written broadly, meaning that partners, shareholders, receivers, trustees, and agents may all fall within the chapter's scope of responsibility. Operators who wish to claim owner-occupied status must be prepared to demonstrate—through a sworn affidavit if the City requests one—that every individual owner, partner, or shareholder genuinely maintains their full-time principal residence at the property. Compliant property managers typically keep clear documentation of ownership structure and residency status to support any such claims.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 177-3 defines 'Tenant' as any party whose right to occupy a rental unit depends on the express or implied consent of the owner, which establishes who is covered by the protections and obligations set out in the rest of ch. 177. Understanding how 'Rental Property' and 'Rental Unit' are defined can be relevant if a question arises about whether a particular building or unit falls under the chapter's rules. Tenants who believe a landlord is incorrectly claiming owner-occupied status—potentially to avoid chapter requirements—may wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization or contact the City of Troy for guidance on how that determination is made.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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