Valatie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 198 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 198-2
Word usage; definitions
Operative Text
A. General. For the purpose of this article, certain words or phrases herein shall be interpreted as follows, except where the context clearly indicates the contrary. Words used in the singular include the plural, words used in the present tense include the future tense, the word "person" includes a corporation as well as an individual, and the word "shall" is always mandatory. B. Specific words or phrases. For the purpose of this article, certain terms or words herein shall be interpreted as follows: DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICE An act that is unlawful under §§ 198-3 , 198-4 and 198-5 . 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 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 198-2 of Valatie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 198 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the village's fair housing article. It clarifies that key terms such as "dwelling," "family," "person," and "to rent" carry broad meanings—for example, a single individual qualifies as a "family," and corporations are treated as "persons." These definitions shape how the substantive rules in the rest of the article are read and applied.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 198-2, the definitions that govern Valatie's fair housing provisions are intentionally broad, meaning that obligations and prohibitions in the article extend to a wide range of housing arrangements and business structures. A compliant operator recognizes that the term "dwelling" covers not just occupied buildings but also vacant land offered for sale or lease for residential construction, and that "to rent" encompasses subleases and other arrangements granting occupancy rights for consideration. Familiarity with these definitions helps property owners and managers understand the full scope of conduct regulated by §§ 198-3 through 198-5.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 198-2 of Valatie's Code of Ordinances defines the terms that underpin the village's fair housing protections, and those definitions are written broadly to maximize coverage. Because "family" includes a single individual and "person" encompasses corporations and organizations, a wide range of housing seekers and housing providers fall within the article's protections and obligations. Tenants who believe a housing practice may be discriminatory under §§ 198-3, 198-4, or 198-5 can consult a tenant-rights organization or a fair housing agency to understand how these definitions apply to their circumstances.
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.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation