Verona, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 37 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 37-3
Definitions; word usage
Operative Text
A. For the purpose of this chapter, 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. For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this section: DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICE An act that is unlawful under §§ 37-4 , 37-5 and 37-6 . 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, 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 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 To lease, to sublease to let and otherwise to grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises now owned by the occupant.
Section 37-3 of Verona, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 37 establishes the foundational definitions that govern how the rest of the chapter is read and applied. Key terms such as 'dwelling,' 'family,' 'person,' and 'to rent' are given specific meanings — for example, 'family' is defined broadly enough to include a single individual, and 'person' encompasses corporations and other legal entities, not just natural persons. These definitions shape the scope of the fair housing protections and prohibitions set out in the sections that follow, ensuring consistent interpretation throughout the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Verona should be aware that under § 37-3, the definitions in Chapter 37 apply broadly: 'dwelling' covers any building or portion thereof used or intended as a residence, and 'to rent' encompasses leasing, subleasing, and any other arrangement granting occupancy rights for consideration. Because 'person' includes corporations and other entities, these rules apply to institutional landlords and individual owners alike. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with these definitions before reviewing the substantive obligations and prohibitions in §§ 37-4 through 37-6.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Verona should know that § 37-3 defines the terms used throughout Chapter 37 in ways that may be broader than everyday usage — for instance, a single individual qualifies as a 'family,' and any arrangement granting the right to occupy premises for consideration counts as 'renting,' regardless of how the agreement is labeled. These definitions directly affect who is protected under the chapter's fair housing provisions found in §§ 37-4, 37-5, and 37-6. Tenants who believe a housing practice may have violated those provisions can consult a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office 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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation