Cohoes, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 148 § 148-5
Word usage; definitions
Operative Text
A. General. For the purpose of this article, certain words or phrases herein shall be interpreted as follows, except where the context clearly indicated the contrary: (1) Words used in the singular include the plural. (2) Words used in the present tense include the future tense. (3) The word "person" includes a corporation as well as an individual. (4) The word "shall" is always mandatory. B. Specific words or phrases. For the purpose of this article, certain terms or words herein shall be interpreted as follows: DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICE An act that is unlawful under §§ 148-6 , 148-7 and 148-8 . DWELLING Any building, structure or portion thereof which is occupied as or designed or intended for occupancy as a residence by one or more families and any vacant land which is offered for sale or lease for the construction or location thereon of any such building, structure or portion thereof. FAMILY Includes a single individual. PERSON Includes one or more individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, labor organizations, legal representatives, mutual companies, joint stock companies, trusts, unincorporated organizations, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers and fiduciaries. TO RENT Includes to lease, to sublease, to let and otherwise to grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises not owned by the occupant.
Section 148-5 of Cohoes, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 148 establishes the foundational definitions and interpretive rules that govern the entire fair housing article. Key terms such as "dwelling," "family," "person," and "to rent" are given broad meanings—for example, a single individual qualifies as a "family," and "person" encompasses corporations and other legal entities, not just natural persons. These definitions shape how all subsequent provisions in the article, including those addressing discriminatory housing practices under §§ 148-6, 148-7, and 148-8, are read and applied.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Cohoes should be aware that the definitions in § 148-5 cast a wide net over who and what is covered by the fair housing article. Because "dwelling" includes any building or portion thereof designed for residential occupancy, and "to rent" encompasses leasing, subleasing, and other arrangements granting occupancy rights, a broad range of rental transactions and property types fall within the article's scope. Compliant operators generally apply these expansive definitions when evaluating their obligations under the related provisions at §§ 148-6 through 148-8.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Cohoes benefit from the broad definitional framework established in § 148-5, which ensures that the fair housing protections in this article apply to a wide variety of living arrangements and housing types. Because "family" includes a single individual and "person" covers numerous types of legal entities, these protections are not limited to traditional households or dealings with individual landlords. Tenants who believe a discriminatory housing practice has occurred—as defined by reference to §§ 148-6, 148-7, and 148-8—may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or local legal aid office to understand available enforcement paths.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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