New Paltz Village, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 129 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 129-2

A. Except as otherwise specified in this chapter, the definitions for words in this chapter shall be the same as those found in other chapters of the Municipal Code of the Village of New Paltz, and said definitions shall be deemed incorporated herein as though set forth herein in full. B. Except where specifically defined in Chapter 212 of the Municipal Code of the Village of New Paltz (entitled "Zoning"), all words used in the present tense shall include the future. Words used in this chapter shall carry their customary meanings. Words used in the singular number include the plural, and words used in the plural number include the singular, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. C. The word "shall" is always mandatory. The word "may" is permissive. "Building" or "structure" includes any part thereof. The word "lot" includes the word "plot" or "parcel." The word "person" includes an individual person, a firm, a corporation, a copartnership, and any other agency of voluntary action. D. The phrase "used for" includes "arranged for," "designed for," "intended for," "maintained for" and "occupied for." E. As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: DISPLACED TENANT A residential tenant who loses use of his/her residence as a result of the loss of a certificate of occupancy and/or rental registration by virtue of a violation of this chapter. LANDLORD The person who has the right to exclusive possession of certain premises and, who, for consideration under a rental agreement, agrees to relinquish that right to another temporarily, retaining a right of reversion of the premises upon termination of such agreement. NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR The deterioration which occurs, based on the use for which the residential unit is intended, without negligence, carelessness, accident or abuse of the premises or equipment or chattels by the tenants or members of his/her household or their invitee or guests. The term "normal wear and tear" does not include sums or labor expended by the landlord in removing from such residential unit articles abandoned by the tenant such as trash. If a rental unit was leased to a tenant in a habitable condition or if it was put in a habitable condition by the landlord during the term of the tenancy, "normal wear and tear" does not include sums required to be expended by the landlord to return the rental unit to a habitable condition, unless expenditure of those sums was necessitated by action of the landlord, events beyond the control of the tenant or actions of someone other than the tenant or members of his/her household or their invitee or guests. PROPERTY MANAGER A person or company hired by a property owner to take responsibility for ensuring rental properties are continually maintained to the standards set by the Village Code, New York State law, and the interests of the property owner(s). PROPERTY OWNER The person(s) or company/corporation whose name appears on the deed. For purposes of this chapter, a property owner shall mean the designated owner. If the property has multiple owners or is owned in partnership, then one person must be designated and named as the responsible party for registration purposes. RENTAL AGREEMENT A written or oral agreement embodying and fixing the terms and conditions for the transfer of possession and the use and occupancy of premises, whether or not for a definite period of time. RENTAL PROPERTY Any parcel, house, apartment or room within whose boundaries housing accommodations are provided in exchange for money, trade or barter, whether said accommodations are short-term or long-term, owner-occupied or nonowner-occupied. "Rental property" does not include housing exchanged for the specific purposes of child care or nursing/companion or home health care. RESIDENTIAL UNIT Any premises which are used for residential purposes under the terms of a rental agreement. SECURITY DEPOSIT The total of all payments and deposits given by a tenant to the landlord as security for the performance of the tenant's obligations. SURRENDER OF PREMISES A tenant's voluntary relinquishment of his or her renter's legal rights and return of possession of the leased premises to the landlord, upon landlord's consent. TENANT A person entitled to exclusive possession and occupancy of a residential unit and the right of use of the appropriate appurtenances as provided in a rental agreement, including any other person 18 years of age or over who shares such unit with the knowledge and consent of the landlord. TERMINATION OF TENANCY The severance of the landlord and tenant relationship, which is either effectuated through: i) written notice from the landlord based on a lease violation; ii) written notice from the landlord based on the end of a month to month term; iii) written notice from the landlord based on a lease violation; or iv) an order of a court of competent jurisdiction. Such termination of tenancy does not relieve either the landlord or tenant of their respective contractual obligations in existence at the time of termination.