Amherst, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 44 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 44-2
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: COMMISSIONER The Commissioner of Building or his/her designee. DWELLING UNIT A room or group of rooms within a building forming a single habitable unit which may be occupied by a person for living or sleeping. HOUSING CODE All state and local laws, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations for the establishment and maintenance of housing standards. OWNER The owner or owners of the dwelling unit or lesser estate therein, a mortgagee or vendee in possession, assignee of rents, receiver, executor, trustee or agent of the owner. SHORT TERM RENTAL The rental of a dwelling unit for a time period between one and thirty days.
Section 44-2 of Amherst, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 44 establishes the working definitions that apply throughout the chapter's short-term rental regulations. Key terms defined include 'Dwelling Unit' (a room or group of rooms used for living or sleeping), 'Owner' (a broad category covering not just titleholders but also mortgagees, receivers, trustees, and agents), and 'Short Term Rental' (any rental of a dwelling unit lasting between one and thirty days). These definitions set the interpretive boundaries for all other requirements and restrictions found elsewhere in Chapter 44.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Amherst should be aware that Chapter 44 § 44-2 defines 'Owner' broadly to include mortgagees, receivers, trustees, and agents — meaning obligations under Chapter 44 can attach to parties beyond the titleholder. Anyone renting a dwelling unit for one to thirty days is operating a 'Short Term Rental' as defined in § 44-2, which triggers the chapter's regulatory framework. Compliant operators generally ensure that any person acting on their behalf understands that they may themselves fall within the definition of 'Owner' and share responsibility for compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For tenants, § 44-2 of Amherst's Chapter 44 is important because it clarifies what qualifies as a 'Short Term Rental' — any dwelling unit rented for one to thirty days — and who counts as an 'Owner' for purposes of the chapter's protections and obligations. The broad definition of 'Owner' means that tenants may have recourse against multiple parties, not just the titleholder, if housing code standards are not met. Tenants who believe a rental arrangement falls under Chapter 44 may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or review the full chapter to understand what rights and remedies may apply to their situation.
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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