Nichols, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 106 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 106-2
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 §§ 106-3 , 106-4 and 106-5 . 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 One person or two or more persons, related by blood, foster relationship, marriage or adoption, and, in addition, any domestic servants or gratuitous guests thereof; or one or more persons who need not be so related, and, in addition, domestic servants or gratuitous guests thereof, who are living together in a single, nonprofit dwelling unit and maintaining a common household with single cooking facilities. A roomer, boarder or lodger shall not be considered a member of the family. 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 now owned by the occupant.
Section 106-2 of Nichols, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 106 establishes the foundational definitions that govern how the rest of the chapter is interpreted. Key terms such as 'dwelling,' 'family,' 'person,' and 'discriminatory housing practice' are given specific meanings that may differ from everyday usage—for example, a roomer or boarder is explicitly excluded from the definition of 'family,' and 'to rent' encompasses leasing, subleasing, and other arrangements granting occupancy rights for consideration. These definitions set the interpretive framework for the fair housing rules that follow in §§ 106-3, 106-4, and 106-5.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Nichols, N.Y., should be familiar with the definitions in § 106-2, as these terms shape the scope of obligations throughout Chapter 106. The definition of 'dwelling' is broad, covering not only occupied buildings but also vacant land offered for sale or lease for residential construction, meaning compliance obligations can arise in a variety of property transactions. Understanding that 'to rent' under § 106-2 includes subleases and other occupancy arrangements helps operators recognize when Chapter 106's fair housing requirements apply to their activities.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Nichols, N.Y., benefit from understanding the definitions in § 106-2, because these terms determine who and what is protected under the chapter's fair housing provisions. For instance, the broad definition of 'person' means that protections and obligations extend beyond individuals to organizations, and the definition of 'discriminatory housing practice' ties directly to the unlawful acts described in §§ 106-3, 106-4, and 106-5. Tenants who believe a housing practice may have violated Chapter 106 can consult a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to better understand how these definitions apply to their circumstances.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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