Sullivan, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 133 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 133-10
Definitions
Operative Text
A. General. For the purpose of this article, 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 article, certain terms or words herein shall be interpreted as follows: DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICE An act that is unlawful under §§ 133-11 , 133-12 and 133-13 . 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 133-10 of Sullivan, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 133 establishes the foundational definitions that govern how the rest of the article is interpreted. Key terms such as 'dwelling,' 'family,' 'person,' and 'to rent' are given broad meanings — 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 §§ 133-11, 133-12, and 133-13, and the word 'shall' throughout the article carries mandatory force.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Sullivan, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 133 § 133-10 should be aware that the article's definitions are intentionally broad. Because 'dwelling' covers any building or portion thereof designed for residential occupancy — and 'to rent' encompasses leasing, subleasing, and other arrangements granting occupancy rights — a wide range of housing transactions fall within the article's scope. Compliant operators generally apply these definitions consistently across all their properties and rental arrangements to ensure the obligations set out in §§ 133-11 through 133-13 are properly understood and followed.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 133-10 of Sullivan, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 133 provides the definitional framework that shapes tenant protections throughout the article. Because 'family' includes a single individual and 'person' covers a wide range of entities, these protections extend broadly regardless of household composition or who the housing provider is. Tenants who believe a housing practice may be discriminatory under §§ 133-11, 133-12, or 133-13 can explore options such as raising the violation as a defense in a proceeding, filing a complaint with a relevant local or state agency, or consulting a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available remedies.
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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