Fonda, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 49 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 49-2
Definitions
Operative Text
A. General. For the purpose of this chapter, certain words or phrases herein shall be interpreted as follows, except where the context indicates on 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; and (4) The word "shall" is always mandatory. B. Specific words or phrases. For the purpose of this chapter, certain items or words herein shall be interpreted as follows: DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICES An act that is unlawful under §§ 49-3 , 49-4 and 49-5 . DWELLING Any building, structure or portion thereof which is occupied as, or designated 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 representative, 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 49-2 of Fonda, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 49 establishes the definitions that govern how key terms are interpreted throughout the chapter's fair housing rules. Words like "dwelling," "family," "person," and "to rent" are given broad meanings—for example, a single individual qualifies as a "family," and "to rent" covers leasing, subleasing, and other arrangements granting occupancy rights for consideration. These definitions set the interpretive foundation for the discriminatory housing practice prohibitions found in §§ 49-3, 49-4, and 49-5.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Fonda should be aware that the definitions in § 49-2 are intentionally broad in scope. The term "dwelling" covers a wide range of residential structures and even vacant land offered for residential development, and "person" encompasses corporations and other legal entities—not just individuals. Understanding these definitions helps operators recognize which properties and transactions fall within the reach of the chapter's fair housing obligations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Fonda benefit from the broad definitions established in § 49-2, which extend the chapter's protections to a wide range of housing situations. Because "family" includes a single individual and "to rent" covers subleases and other occupancy arrangements, protections are not limited to traditional lease relationships. Tenants who believe a housing practice may violate §§ 49-3, 49-4, or 49-5 can consult a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand how these definitions apply to their circumstances.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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