Valatie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 261 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 261-2
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: LANDLORD The owner in fee simple of property who has leased it for a term to another person called the "tenant." NEW TENANT Tenants of a premises, none of the adult occupants of the premises who have previously occupied the premises in the last 30 days. TENANT An individual (or individuals) who holds or occupies premises of another for residential purposes; one who has a temporary use and occupation of real property owned by another person herein called the "landlord" for a definite term and duration.
Section 261-2 of Valatie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 261 establishes the core vocabulary used throughout the article governing rental housing. It defines a 'landlord' as the fee-simple owner who has leased property to another, a 'tenant' as the individual who holds or occupies that property for residential purposes under a defined term, and a 'new tenant' as one where none of the adult occupants have lived at the premises within the prior 30 days. These definitions set the boundaries for who is covered by the article's requirements and protections.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 261-2, a landlord is specifically defined as the fee-simple owner who has entered into a lease arrangement — meaning that property managers or other intermediaries should be aware of how ownership and leasing relationships are characterized under this article. Compliant operators generally ensure that their ownership status and lease agreements are clearly documented so that their role as 'landlord' under Chapter 261 is unambiguous. Understanding whether incoming occupants qualify as 'new tenants' under § 261-2 — meaning no adult occupant has lived there in the past 30 days — is also relevant to determining which obligations may apply at the start of a tenancy.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 261-2 defines 'tenant' as a person who occupies residential property owned by another for a definite term, which establishes who is entitled to the rights and protections created elsewhere in Chapter 261. If you believe your occupancy qualifies you as a tenant or new tenant under this definition, that status may be relevant to any rights or obligations that arise under the broader article. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Valatie or Columbia County housing rules can help clarify how these definitions apply in various residential situations.
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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