Horseheads, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 135 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 135-3
Definitions and word usage
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 §§ 135-4 , 135-5 and 135-6 . DWELLING Any building, structure or portion thereof which is occupied as or designed or intended for occupancy as a residence by one (1) 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 (1) 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 135-3 of Horseheads, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 135 establishes the definitions that govern how the rest of the chapter is interpreted. 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 in addition to natural persons. These definitions set the interpretive foundation for the fair-housing rules that follow in subsequent sections, ensuring that the chapter's protections and prohibitions apply as broadly as the language intends.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Horseheads should be aware that the definitions in § 135-3 shape how every other provision in Chapter 135 applies to their operations. Because "dwelling" covers any building or portion thereof designed for residential occupancy, and "to rent" encompasses leasing, subleasing, and other arrangements granting occupancy rights for consideration, a wide range of rental activities fall within the chapter's scope. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with these definitions so they can accurately assess how the fair-housing obligations in §§ 135-4 through 135-6 apply to their properties and practices.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Horseheads benefit from the broad definitions established in § 135-3, which extend the chapter's protections to a wide variety of living arrangements and household compositions. Because "family" includes a single individual and "to rent" covers subleases and other occupancy arrangements beyond a standard lease, many residents who might otherwise question whether they are covered can look to these definitions for clarity. Those who believe a "discriminatory housing practice" as defined in § 135-3 — meaning an act unlawful under §§ 135-4, 135-5, or 135-6 — has occurred may wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand available options.
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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