Valley Stream, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 46A (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 46A-1
Definitions; word usage
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: DWELLING UNIT As defined in Village Code Chapter 99 , Zoning, at § 99-202 . ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY As defined in Village Code Chapter 99 , Zoning, at § 99-3201 . OWNER Any person, individual, association, entity or corporation whose name is listed as grantee on the last deed of record for the property, as recorded with the Nassau County Clerk. PERSON Includes any individual, business, partnership, firm, corporation, enterprise, trustee, company, industry, association, public entity or other legal entity. PUBLISH Promulgation of an available rental property to the general public or to selected segments of the general public, in a newspaper, magazine, flyer, handbill, mailed circular, bulletin board, sign or electronic media. RENEWAL RENTAL PERMIT A permit which is to be issued to the owner of the rental property where such dwelling unit has been the subject of a rental continuously prior to the date of the application for the permit. RENT A return, in money, property or other valuable consideration (including payout in kind or services or other thing of value), for the use and occupancy or the right to the use and occupancy of a rental property, whether or not a legal relationship of landlord and tenant exists between the owner and the occupant or occupants thereof. RENTAL PERMIT A permit issued by the Superintendent of Buildings Department issued to the owner to allow the use or occupancy of a rental property. RENTAL PROPERTY A dwelling unit which is occupied for habitation as a residence by persons, other than the owner or the owner's immediate family, and for which rent is received by the owner, directly or indirectly, in exchange for such residential occupation. For purposes of this chapter, the term "rental property" shall mean all non-owner-occupied single-family residences, two-family residences, and townhouses, and shall exclude: A. A dwelling unit lawfully and validly permitted as an accessory apartment in accordance with Village Code Chapter 99 , Zoning, at § 99-2101 ; B. Properties used exclusively for nonresidential commercial purposes in any zoning district; or C. Any legally operating commercial hotel/motel business or bed-and-breakfast establishment operating exclusively and catering to transient clientele, that is, customers who customarily reside at these establishments for short durations for the purpose of vacationing, travel, business, recreational activities, conventions, emergencies and other activities that are customary to a commercial hotel/motel business. TENANT A. An individual who leases, uses or occupies a rental property. B. Transient rental includes: (1) Boarder, as defined in Chapter 99 , Zoning, at § 99-202 ; (2) Rental of property in whole or in part for a period of less than six months.
Section 46A-1 of Valley Stream's Code of Ordinances establishes the foundational vocabulary for the village's rental property regulation chapter. Key terms such as "owner," "rental property," "rent," "rental permit," and "tenant" are given specific legal meanings that govern how the rest of the chapter is interpreted and applied. Notably, "rental property" covers non-owner-occupied single-family homes, two-family residences, and townhouses, while explicitly excluding accessory apartments permitted under zoning rules, purely commercial properties, and transient hotel or bed-and-breakfast operations. These definitions set the boundaries of who and what falls under the chapter's requirements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 46A-1, Valley Stream defines "owner" as the person listed as grantee on the last recorded deed with the Nassau County Clerk, meaning the titleholder of record bears responsibility for compliance with the chapter's rental permit requirements. Operators of non-owner-occupied single-family homes, two-family residences, and townhouses generally ensure they understand whether their property qualifies as a "rental property" under this section, since properties meeting that definition are subject to the permit obligations that follow in the chapter. Properties that are lawfully permitted accessory apartments, purely commercial uses, or bona fide transient hotel or bed-and-breakfast businesses fall outside the chapter's scope as defined in § 46A-1.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 46A-1 defines "tenant" broadly to include any individual who leases, uses, or occupies a rental property, and also encompasses transient arrangements such as boarders or rentals of less than six months. Understanding whether a living arrangement qualifies as a "rental property" under this section can be relevant to knowing what protections and permit requirements apply to one's housing situation in Valley Stream. Tenants who have questions about whether their residence falls under this chapter's definitions may find it useful to review the full ordinance or consult a tenant-rights organization familiar with Nassau County housing regulations.
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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
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