Waterford, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 81 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 81-2
Definitions and word usage
Operative Text
A. General. For the purpose of this chapter, certain words or phrases herein shall be interpreted as follows, except where the context clearly indicated the contrary: words used in the singular include the plural, words 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 chapter, certain terms or words herein shall be interpreted as follows: 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. 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. FAMILY Includes a single individual. 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. DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICE An act that is unlawful under §§ 81-3 , 81-4 and 81-5 .
Section 81-2 of Waterford, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 81 establishes the foundational definitions that govern how the rest of the chapter is interpreted. Key terms such as "dwelling," "person," "family," "to rent," and "discriminatory housing practice" are given specific, broad meanings — for example, a "family" can be a single individual, and "person" encompasses corporations and other legal entities, not just individuals. These definitions shape the scope of the fair housing protections and obligations set out in the sections that follow.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Waterford should be aware that the definitions in § 81-2 cast a wide net over who and what is covered by Chapter 81. Because "to rent" includes leasing, subleasing, and any grant of occupancy for consideration, and because "person" extends to corporations and associations, virtually all residential rental arrangements fall within the chapter's reach. Operators generally ensure that their policies and practices account for these broad definitions when assessing compliance with the anti-discrimination provisions referenced in §§ 81-3, 81-4, and 81-5.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 81-2, the definitions in Chapter 81 are written broadly to extend protections to a wide range of people and housing situations in Waterford. A single individual qualifies as a "family," and any arrangement where someone pays for the right to occupy a residence they do not own — including subleases — counts as "renting" under the ordinance. Tenants who believe they have experienced a "discriminatory housing practice" as defined in § 81-2 may look to §§ 81-3, 81-4, and 81-5 for the specific prohibited acts, and can consult a local tenant-rights organization for general information about available complaint or enforcement paths.
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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