Effingham — Ch. 17 Art. VI Fair Housing § 17-140
Selected definitions
Operative Text
The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this article: Commission. The Human Relations Commission of this municipality (or any other agency designated by the council to administer this article). Dwelling. Any building or portion thereof containing one (1) or more dwelling units, or any parcel of land offered for sale or lease for the construction or placement of such building. Dwelling unit. One (1) or more rooms designed or used as living quarters by one (1) family. Financial institution. Any bank, savings and loan association, insurance company, or any other person or firm whose business consists, in whole or in part, of making or guaranteeing loans. Housing. Synonym for "dwelling." Person. Any individual, firm, association, organization, or corporate body acting in any capacity. Rent. To lease, sublease, let, or otherwise grant or receive for consideration the right to occupy any dwelling not owned by the occupant.
Section 17-140 of Effingham's Fair Housing ordinance (Ch. 17, Art. VI) establishes the shared vocabulary used throughout the article's interpretation and enforcement. Key terms such as "dwelling," "dwelling unit," "financial institution," "person," and "rent" are given specific meanings that govern how the article's protections and obligations apply. The definitions also identify the Human Relations Commission—or any council-designated agency—as the body responsible for administering the article.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 17-140, property owners and managers should be aware that the ordinance's definitions are intentionally broad: "person" covers individuals, firms, associations, and corporate bodies, meaning the article's requirements apply regardless of how an ownership or management entity is structured. The definition of "rent" encompasses leasing, subleasing, and any other arrangement granting occupancy rights for consideration, so a wide range of rental arrangements fall within the article's scope. Operators who understand these definitions are better positioned to apply the rest of Ch. 17, Art. VI consistently across their properties.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 17-140 sets the foundational terms that shape tenant protections throughout Effingham's Fair Housing article, and understanding them helps tenants recognize when those protections apply to their situation. The broad definition of "person" means that complaints can be directed at a wide range of actors—individuals, companies, or organizations—while the definition of "rent" covers most common occupancy arrangements beyond a standard lease. Tenants who believe a violation has occurred under Ch. 17, Art. VI may consider contacting the Human Relations Commission (or the council-designated agency) or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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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