Halfmoon, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 80 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 80-2
Word usage and 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 clearly indicates the contrary: words used in the singular include the plural, words used in the present tense include the future tense; the word "person" includes a corporation as well as an individual; and the word "shall" is always mandatory. B. Specific words or phrases. For the purpose of this chapter, certain terms or words herein shall be interpreted as follows: DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICE An act that is unlawful under this chapter. 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. FAMILIAL STATUS (1) One or more individuals (who have not attained the age of 18 years) being domiciled with: (a) A parent or another person having legal custody of such individual or individuals; or (b) The designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the written permission of such parent or other person. (2) The protections afforded against discrimination on the basis of familial status shall apply to any person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years. FAMILY Includes a single individual. PERSON Includes one or more individuals, corporations, partnerships, associates, 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 80-2 of Halfmoon, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 80 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the town's fair housing chapter. It clarifies that terms like 'dwelling,' 'familial status,' 'person,' and 'to rent' carry specific, broad meanings — for example, 'person' encompasses corporations and other legal entities, not just individuals, and 'familial status' extends protections to pregnant individuals and those seeking legal custody of a minor. These definitions shape how every other provision in Chapter 80 is read and applied. Where the text uses 'shall,' compliance is mandatory, not discretionary.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 80-2 of Halfmoon's Code of Ordinances Chapter 80, operators of residential properties should be aware that the definitions governing this chapter are intentionally broad. 'Dwelling' covers a wide range of residential structures and even vacant land offered for development, while 'to rent' encompasses leasing, subleasing, and other arrangements granting occupancy rights. Compliant operators apply these expansive definitions when evaluating any housing decision covered by Chapter 80, recognizing that 'familial status' protections extend to pregnant applicants and those in the process of obtaining custody of a minor.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 80-2 of Halfmoon, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 80 defines the key terms that underpin the town's fair housing protections, and those definitions are written broadly in favor of coverage. For instance, 'familial status' under § 80-2 protects not only households with children under 18, but also pregnant individuals and those pursuing legal custody — meaning a wider range of people may be shielded from discriminatory housing practices than they might expect. Tenants who believe a housing action may constitute a 'discriminatory housing practice' as defined in this section can explore options such as filing a complaint with a relevant fair housing agency or consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with local ordinances.
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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