West Haverstraw, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 186 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 186-2
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: ABSENTEE LANDLORD Any landlord who resides outside the designated boundaries of the Village of West Haverstraw. BUILDING INSPECTOR The duly appointed Building Inspector of the Village of West Haverstraw and such other person or persons duly designated by him or the Village Board for the purposes set forth herein. DWELLING UNIT A building or entirely self-contained portion thereof containing complete housekeeping facilities for only one family and having no enclosed space (other than vestibules, entrances or other hallways or porches) or cooking or sanitary facilities in common with another "dwelling unit." IMMEDIATE FAMILY The "immediate family" of the owner of a housing unit consists of the owner's spouse, children, parents, grandparents or grandchildren. LANDLORD Any property owner who offers a housing unit for occupancy to persons other than members of his immediate family in exchange for a fee or compensation, whether monetary or otherwise. PROPERTY AGENT A representative of the landlord of a rental property, designated as responsible for the property maintenance conditions of the rental property and compliance with all Village, county, state and federal laws, rules and regulations as may be applicable to the property. RENTAL PERMIT A permit issued by the Village of West Haverstraw stating that the referenced structure or dwelling unit conforms to the standards of this article and that occupancy of that structure or dwelling unit is permitted for residential use. Any special circumstances or conditions under which occupancy is permitted may be specified on that permit. RENTAL PROPERTY Any dwelling unit which is occupied by persons other than the landlord or his immediate family for which a fee or other compensation, monetary or otherwise, is received by the landlord in exchange for the use and occupancy of the rental property. SUBSTANDARD Any deficiency in a structure or dwelling unit as defined by this article.
Section 186-2 of West Haverstraw's Code of Ordinances Chapter 186 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the village's rental property regulations. Key terms defined include 'Landlord,' 'Rental Property,' 'Dwelling Unit,' 'Absentee Landlord,' 'Property Agent,' and 'Rental Permit,' each carrying a specific legal meaning within this article. These definitions determine who and what falls under the scope of the village's rental oversight rules, including the distinction between renting to the public versus housing immediate family members.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners subject to West Haverstraw Code ch. 186 § 186-2 should be aware that the definitions in this section shape how the entire article applies to their operations. For example, the term 'Absentee Landlord' applies to any owner residing outside village boundaries, which may trigger additional compliance obligations elsewhere in the chapter. Operators who designate a Property Agent should ensure that representative is formally identified as responsible for maintenance conditions and compliance with all applicable laws.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 186-2 of West Haverstraw Code ch. 186 sets out the definitions that govern who qualifies as a landlord and what constitutes a rental property under the village's rules. Understanding these definitions can help tenants determine whether their housing situation falls within the article's protections — for instance, whether their unit qualifies as a 'Dwelling Unit' or whether their landlord is classified as an 'Absentee Landlord.' Tenants who have questions about how these definitions apply to their circumstances may wish to contact the Village of West Haverstraw's Building Inspector's office or consult a local tenant-rights organization.
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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