Massena, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 152 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 152-2
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 §§ 152-3 , 152-4 and 152-5 . 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. FAMILY Includes a single individual. PERSON Includes 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 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 152-2 of Massena, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 152 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the chapter's fair housing rules. Key terms such as "dwelling," "family," "person," and "to rent" are defined broadly — for example, a single individual qualifies as a "family," and "person" encompasses corporations and other legal entities, not just natural persons. A "discriminatory housing practice" is defined by reference to the unlawful acts described in Sections 152-3, 152-4, and 152-5, and the word "shall" throughout the chapter carries mandatory force.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Chapter 152 should be aware that Section 152-2's definitions set the scope of who and what is covered by Massena's fair housing ordinance. Because "dwelling" is defined broadly to include any structure or portion thereof used or intended as a residence, and "to rent" encompasses leasing, subleasing, and other arrangements granting occupancy rights, a wide range of rental activities and property types fall within the chapter's reach. Operators generally ensure their practices align with the conduct standards referenced in Sections 152-3, 152-4, and 152-5, which define what constitutes a discriminatory housing practice under this framework.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 152-2 of Massena's housing code establishes that the protections in Chapter 152 apply broadly — a household of one person still qualifies as a "family," and the definition of "to rent" covers not just standard leases but also subleases and other arrangements granting the right to occupy. This means a wide range of living situations and housing seekers may be protected under the chapter's anti-discrimination provisions found in Sections 152-3, 152-4, and 152-5. Tenants who believe they have experienced a discriminatory housing practice may explore options such as filing a complaint with a relevant fair housing agency or consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with Massena's 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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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