Niskayuna, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 140 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 140-2
Word usage and 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 in 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 §§ 140-3 , 140-4 and 140-5 . 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. FAMILIAL STATUS (1) One or more individuals (who have not attained the age of 18 years) being domiciled with: (a) A parent or another person having legal custody of such individual or individuals; or (b) The designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the written permission of such parent or other person. (2) The protections afforded against discrimination on the basis of familial status shall apply to any person who is pregnant or is in the process of security legal custody of any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years. FAMILY Includes a single individual. PERSON Includes one or more individuals, corporations, partnerships, associates, 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 140-2 of Niskayuna's Code of Ordinances establishes the foundational definitions that govern how the rest of Chapter 140 is interpreted. Key terms such as "dwelling," "familial status," "family," "person," and "to rent" are given broad meanings — for example, a single individual qualifies as a "family," and corporations are treated as "persons." The word "shall" throughout the chapter is always mandatory, not discretionary, and definitions apply in both singular and plural contexts unless the surrounding text clearly indicates otherwise.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Niskayuna should be aware that Chapter 140 § 140-2 defines the scope of who and what is covered by the local fair housing rules. Because "family" includes a single individual and "person" encompasses corporations and other legal entities, these protections apply broadly across a wide range of housing arrangements and business structures. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with these definitions before applying any policies related to occupancy, leasing, or advertising to ensure their practices align with the chapter's intended reach.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 140-2 establishes that renters — including those who sublease or occupy housing through any consideration-based arrangement — fall within the protections of Chapter 140. The broad definition of "familial status" means that pregnant individuals and those in the process of obtaining legal custody of a minor are also covered. Tenants who believe a housing practice may have violated these definitions can consult a local tenant-rights organization or review the discriminatory housing practice provisions referenced in §§ 140-3, 140-4, and 140-5 to understand 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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
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Rules and statutes that cite this regulation