Third Lake — Art. VI Landlord Registration § 10-186
Definitions
Operative Text
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Building means a structure, or part thereof, enclosing space designed or used for dwelling units offered for rent. Dwelling unit means a single unit of one or more contiguous rooms containing individual cooking, sleeping, and sanitary facilities for one or more persons. Owner means any person, agent, operator, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in real property or recorded in the official records of the state, county, or municipality as holding the title to the real property or otherwise having control of the real property, including the guardian of any such person, or the executor or administrator of the estate of any such person. Short term rental unit means all or part of a residential principal structure or residential dwelling unit located in a residential zoning district, being leased, rented, loaned, offered for rent, hired out, licensed, or otherwise let as an accessory use or occupancy to a person or persons other than the owner of the subject property or a family member of the owner thereof, whether or not the permission of such occupancy is in exchange for consideration therefor, for a period or term that is less than 180 consecutive days. The term "short term rental unit" shall also include a dwelling unit, temporary structure, or accessory structure, or part thereof, used for overnight accommodation that is available for rent by transient guests for a period or term that is less than 180 consecutive days. The term "short term rental unit" shall not include a hotel or motel located in a commercial zoning district licensed by the village. (Ord. No. 10-06-05, § 1, 6-21-2010; Ord. No. 25-07-04, § 2, 7-21-2025)
Third Lake's Article VI Landlord Registration § 10-186 establishes the foundational definitions that govern the entire landlord registration article. Key terms — including 'building,' 'dwelling unit,' 'owner,' and 'short term rental unit' — are given specific legal meanings that apply throughout the article unless context clearly calls for a different interpretation. Notably, a 'short term rental unit' covers a broad range of arrangements lasting fewer than 180 consecutive days, whether or not money changes hands, but expressly excludes commercially zoned hotels and motels licensed by the village.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 10-186, property owners and managers should be aware that the definition of 'owner' is intentionally broad, encompassing agents, operators, firms, corporations, guardians, and estate representatives — meaning registration obligations under Article VI can attach to a wide range of parties with legal or equitable interest in a property. The 'short term rental unit' definition is similarly expansive, covering not just traditional rentals but also loaned, licensed, or otherwise permitted short-term stays under 180 consecutive days. Operators who rent out all or part of a residential structure on a short-term basis — even without charging a fee — should review whether their arrangement falls within the scope of Article VI as defined in § 10-186.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 10-186 sets out the definitions that shape tenant protections and landlord obligations throughout Third Lake's landlord registration article, so understanding these terms can help tenants determine whether their housing situation falls within the article's scope. For example, occupants of short-term arrangements lasting fewer than 180 days — including those in accessory structures or temporary accommodations — may be covered under the 'short term rental unit' definition. Tenants who are uncertain whether their unit or arrangement qualifies under § 10-186 may wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization or review the full Article VI for applicable rights and remedies.
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 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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