Richmond, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 116 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 116-2
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 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 §§ 116-3 , 116-4 and 116-5 . 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. 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 116-2 of Richmond, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 116 establishes the foundational definitions that govern how the rest of the chapter is read and applied. Key terms such as 'dwelling,' 'family,' 'to rent,' and 'discriminatory housing practice' are given specific meanings that may differ from everyday usage—for example, a 'family' can be a single individual, and 'to rent' covers leasing, subleasing, and other arrangements granting occupancy rights for consideration. These definitions shape the scope of the fair housing protections and obligations set out in the sections that follow.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Chapter 116 should be aware that § 116-2 defines the terms used throughout the chapter broadly. Because 'dwelling' encompasses any building or portion designed for residential occupancy, and 'to rent' includes subleases and similar arrangements, compliant operators generally apply the chapter's requirements across a wide range of housing transactions—not just standard leases. Understanding that 'discriminatory housing practice' is defined by reference to §§ 116-3, 116-4, and 116-5 helps operators identify which specific conduct the chapter regulates.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 116-2 of Chapter 116 establishes definitions that determine who and what is protected under Richmond's local housing rules. Because 'family' is defined to include a single individual and 'to rent' covers subleases and other occupancy arrangements, a broad range of housing situations may fall within the chapter's protections. Tenants who believe a discriminatory housing practice as defined in § 116-2 has occurred can explore options such as raising the violation as a defense in a proceeding, filing a complaint with a relevant housing authority, or consulting a tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation