Hillsdale, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 181 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 181-3
Definitions
Operative Text
The following terms shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this article: AGENT/OPERATOR Any person who has charge, care, or control of a structure or premises which is let or offered for occupancy. HABITABLE SPACE Space in a structure for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet rooms, closets, halls, storage or utility spaces, and similar areas are not considered habitable spaces. HOUSEKEEPING UNIT A room or group of rooms forming a single habitable space equipped and intended to be used for living, sleeping, cooking and eating which does not contain, within such a unit, a toilet, lavatory, and bathroom or shower. HOUSING MAINTENANCE CERTIFICATE Certificate issued by the Code Enforcement Officer of the Town of Hillsdale following an inspection certifying that a residential rental dwelling unit complies with the Property Maintenance Code of New York State. OWNER Any person, agent, or operator, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property; or recorded in the official records of the state, county, or Town as holding title to the property; or otherwise having control of the property, including the guardian of the estate of any such person, and the executor or administrator of the estate of such person. RENTAL DWELLING PREMISES Any building which is wholly or partly used for or is intended to be used as habitable space for human occupants for rent. RESIDENTIAL RENTAL DWELLING UNIT Any room or contiguous group of rooms available for rent located within a building providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
Section 181-3 of Hillsdale, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 181 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the town's rental housing article. It defines key terms such as 'Owner,' 'Agent/Operator,' 'Habitable Space,' and 'Residential Rental Dwelling Unit' to ensure consistent interpretation and enforcement. Notably, spaces like bathrooms, closets, and storage areas are explicitly excluded from the definition of habitable space, and a Housing Maintenance Certificate is defined as the document issued by the Code Enforcement Officer confirming a unit meets New York State's Property Maintenance Code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 181-3 of Hillsdale's Code of Ordinances ch. 181, the definition of 'Owner' is broad and includes not just titleholders but also agents, operators, firms, and corporations with legal or equitable interest in a property. Compliant operators generally ensure that anyone exercising 'charge, care, or control' of a rental property understands they may be treated as an Agent/Operator under this article. Familiarity with the definition of a 'Housing Maintenance Certificate' is also important, as it identifies the document issued by the Town's Code Enforcement Officer that certifies compliance with the New York State Property Maintenance Code.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 181-3 of Hillsdale, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 181 defines what qualifies as a 'Residential Rental Dwelling Unit,' which must include complete, independent living facilities with provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. Tenants can use these definitions to understand whether their rental space meets the town's baseline standards, including whether the space they occupy qualifies as 'habitable' under the code. If a rental unit appears to fall short of these defined standards, tenants may consider contacting the Town of Hillsdale's Code Enforcement Officer or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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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