Wappingers Falls, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 120 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 120-4
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: DWELLING Any building which is wholly or partly used or is intended to be used as habitable space for human occupants. OWNER Any person or entity who or which, alone or with others, has legal or equitable title. OWNER-OCCUPIED DWELLING A dwelling occupied by its owner or by members of his or her family on a nonrental basis. RENTAL DWELLING UNIT Any room or contiguous group of rooms located within a building and forming a single, habitable living space for one family. ROOMING UNIT Any furnished room for rent located within a building or forming a single sleeping space.
Section 120-4 of Wappingers Falls, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 120 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout Chapter 120's housing regulations. It draws distinctions between general dwellings, owner-occupied dwellings, rental dwelling units, and rooming units, and it defines who qualifies as an "owner" for purposes of the chapter. These definitions shape how all other provisions in the chapter are interpreted and applied.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 120-4, property owners and managers should understand which category their property falls into — whether it is a rental dwelling unit, a rooming unit, or an owner-occupied dwelling — because that classification determines which obligations under Chapter 120 apply. An "owner" is broadly defined to include anyone holding legal or equitable title, alone or jointly, so co-owners and entities such as LLCs are covered. Operators who rent furnished rooms should note that rooming units are defined separately from rental dwelling units, which may carry distinct regulatory implications elsewhere in the chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 120-4 provides the definitions that underpin tenant protections throughout Wappingers Falls Code ch. 120, so understanding how your living space is classified — as a rental dwelling unit or a rooming unit, for example — can be relevant when evaluating rights or raising concerns under the chapter. Tenants who believe their unit has been misclassified or that an owner's identity is unclear may find it useful to review the broad definition of "owner" in § 120-4, which includes entities and co-owners. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Wappingers Falls ordinances can help clarify how these definitions interact with other provisions that may affect your situation.
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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