Lenox, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 68 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 68-3
Word usage; definitions
Operative Text
A. General. For the purpose of this chapter, certain words or phrases used 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 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 and phrases. For the purpose of this chapter, certain terms or words used herein shall be interpreted as follows: DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICE An act that is unlawful under §§ 68-5 , 68-6 and 68-7 . 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 A single individual. PERSON 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 To lease, to sublease, to let and otherwise to grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises not owned by the occupant.
Section 68-3 of Lenox, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 68 establishes the interpretive rules and key definitions that govern the entire fair housing chapter. It clarifies that terms like 'dwelling,' 'family,' 'person,' and 'to rent' carry specific meanings within this chapter—for example, 'family' is defined broadly to include even a single individual, and 'person' encompasses corporations and other legal entities, not just natural persons. These definitions set the foundation for understanding what conduct and parties are covered by the chapter's fair housing protections.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Lenox should be aware that under § 68-3, the definitions in Chapter 68 apply broadly: a 'dwelling' includes any building or portion thereof used or intended as a residence, and 'to rent' covers leasing, subleasing, and any other arrangement granting occupancy rights for consideration. Because 'person' includes corporations and other entities, operators structured as business entities are fully subject to the chapter's requirements. Compliant operators generally ensure that their policies and practices align with these definitions when evaluating their obligations under §§ 68-5, 68-6, and 68-7.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Lenox benefit from the broad definitional framework established in § 68-3, which ensures that protections under Chapter 68 extend to a wide range of living arrangements and housing providers. Notably, the definition of 'family' as including a single individual means that a person living alone is entitled to the same fair housing protections as multi-person households. Those who believe their rights under Chapter 68 have been affected may find it useful to consult a tenant-rights organization or review the specific prohibitions outlined in §§ 68-5, 68-6, and 68-7 for guidance on 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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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