Calumet City — Ch. 42 Housing § 42-74
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Operative Text
For the purpose of this article, and the interpretation and application thereof, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings given herein, unless the context in which they are used shall indicate otherwise. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words in the singular number include the plural number and words in the plural number include the singular number. Words or phrases not defined shall be given their common and ordinary meaning unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Dwelling means any building, structure, or portion thereof which is occupied as, or designed or intended for occupancy as, a residence by one (1) or more persons, and any vacant land which is offered for sale or rental and on which any such building, structure, or portion thereof may be constructed or located. Lending institution means any bank, savings and loan association, insurance company, or other organization regularly engaged in the business of lending money or guaranteeing loans for profit. Multifamily residential development means any building or structure, or group of buildings or structures, which contains two (2) or more dwellings under common management or ownership. Owner means any person who holds legal or equitable title to, or shares of, or holds any beneficial interest in, a dwelling or who holds legal or equitable title to, or shares of, or holds any beneficial interest in, any organization or person which owns a dwelling; and his agent. Person means one (1) or more individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, labor organizations, legal representatives, mutual companies, joint-stock companies, trusts, unincorporated organizations, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers or fiduciaries. Purchase means to obtain a dwelling through a sale. Rent or rental means to lease, sublease, assign or otherwise grant or obtain in right to occupy a dwelling not owned by the occupant in return for consideration, or a contract or option to do any of the foregoing. Sale or sell means to convey, exchange, transfer or assign legal or equitable title to, or a beneficial interest in, a dwelling in return for consideration, or a contract or option to do any of the foregoing.
Calumet City Code Chapter 42, Section 42-74 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the housing article. Key terms such as "dwelling," "owner," "person," "rent," and "sale" are given specific legal meanings that govern how the rest of the article is read and applied. The definitions are written broadly — for example, "owner" includes anyone holding a legal, equitable, or beneficial interest in a property, not just the person whose name appears on a deed. Any word not defined here defaults to its common, everyday meaning unless the surrounding context demands otherwise.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Calumet City should be aware that Section 42-74 defines "owner" expansively, capturing not only direct titleholders but also those with equitable or beneficial interests, as well as their agents. This means that obligations and responsibilities under Chapter 42 can attach to a wide range of parties involved in a property's ownership structure. Operators of buildings with two or more dwellings under common management should also note that they fall within the defined category of "multifamily residential development," which may trigger additional provisions elsewhere in the article.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 42-74 of Calumet City's housing code sets out the definitions that shape how tenant protections and landlord obligations throughout Chapter 42 are interpreted. The broad definition of "rent" — covering leases, subleases, assignments, and similar arrangements — means that a variety of occupancy agreements may fall within the article's scope. Tenants who believe a provision of Chapter 42 applies to their situation can consult a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid service to understand how these definitions affect their rights.
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.
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