Malta, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 84 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 84-2
Definitions
Operative Text
A. For the purpose of this article, 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. For the purpose of this article, certain terms or words herein shall be interpreted as follows: DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICE An act that is unlawful under §§ 84-3 , 84-4 and 84-5 . 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. PERSON Includes one or more individuals, corporations, partnerships, association, labor organizations, legal representatives, mutual companies, joint-stock companies, trusts, unincorporated organizations, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers, and fiduciaries. FAMILY Includes a single individual. 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 84-2 of Malta, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 84 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the article's fair housing rules. Key terms such as "dwelling," "person," "family," and "to rent" are defined broadly — for example, a "family" can be a single individual, and "person" encompasses corporations and organizations, not just natural persons. These definitions shape how the substantive prohibitions in §§ 84-3, 84-4, and 84-5 are applied and interpreted.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Malta, N.Y., should be aware that the definitions in § 84-2 cast a wide net over who and what is covered by the article's fair housing requirements. Because "dwelling" includes any building or portion thereof designed for residential occupancy, and "to rent" covers leasing, subleasing, and similar arrangements, a broad range of housing transactions fall within the article's scope. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with these definitions to understand how the prohibitions in §§ 84-3, 84-4, and 84-5 apply to their properties and business practices.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Malta, N.Y., benefit from the broad definitions set out in § 84-2, which extend the article's protections to a wide variety of living situations and housing arrangements. Because "family" includes a single individual and "to rent" covers subleases and other occupancy arrangements, protections are not limited to traditional lease relationships. Individuals who believe a "discriminatory housing practice" as defined in § 84-2 — meaning an act unlawful under §§ 84-3, 84-4, or 84-5 — has occurred may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service 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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