Brookhaven, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 21A (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 21A-2
Definitions
Operative Text
When used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: HOUSING ACCOMMODATION Any place permitted for human habitation by the Town of Brookhaven. LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE Includes any attorney at law hereafter designated by the Town Board of the Town of Brookhaven to prosecute violations of this chapter. NATIONAL ORIGIN Includes ancestry. PERSON Includes one or more individuals, partnerships, associations, corporations, legal representatives, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy or receivers. The plural shall include the singular and vice versa.
Section 21A-2 of Brookhaven, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 21A establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the chapter's fair-housing and anti-discrimination rules. Key terms defined include 'housing accommodation,' which covers any place the Town of Brookhaven has permitted for human habitation, and 'national origin,' which expressly includes ancestry. The definition of 'person' is intentionally broad, encompassing individuals, corporations, partnerships, trustees, and other legal entities, so that the chapter's protections and obligations apply across a wide range of actors.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 21A-2, the term 'housing accommodation' covers any place the Town of Brookhaven has permitted for human habitation, meaning operators of permitted residential properties fall within the chapter's scope. Compliant property owners and managers familiarize themselves with these definitions because terms like 'national origin' (which includes ancestry) and the broad definition of 'person' determine who is covered by the chapter's substantive requirements. Understanding these foundational definitions in § 21A-2 helps operators correctly interpret their obligations under the rest of Chapter 21A.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 21A-2 sets out the definitions that shape the rights and protections found throughout Chapter 21A, including the clarification that 'national origin' encompasses ancestry—a detail relevant to anyone who believes they have experienced discrimination on that basis. The broad definition of 'person' means that protections can extend to individuals as well as groups or organizations acting on a tenant's behalf. Tenants who want to understand how these definitions affect their rights may consult a local tenant-rights organization or review the full text of Chapter 21A alongside § 21A-2.
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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