A. Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
APARTMENT
That portion of a complex rented or offered for rent for living and dwelling purposes, to one individual or family unit, together with all privileges, services, equipment, facilities and improvements connected with the use or occupancy of such portion of the complex.
BASE RENT
The average of those sums of money paid per month by tenants to a single landlord in a single complex, under leases or rental agreements as of January 21, 1975, for rental of apartments of similar size, number of bedrooms and amenities, or that average sum at which one such apartment then vacant was offered for rental.
CEILING RENT
That rent which is produced as the result of the modification of the base rent in accordance with § 217-4 hereof.
COMPLEX
That building or structure or group of adjacent or contiguous buildings or structures rented or offered for rent by one owner and which consist of four or more apartment units therein.
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
The United States consumer price index for the Philadelphia Metropolitan Region, as published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LEASE
That written agreement which creates and establishes the relationship between landlord and tenant for a term of more than one month and consists of all terms and conditions thereof.
MAXIMUM RENT
That rent which is produced by the operation of § 126-6 hereof. Editor's Note: Section 126-6 refers to former § 126-6, Limit on rent increase; exception, which was repealed 8-26-1991 by Ord. No. 18-1991.
OWNER
That person, corporation, partnership, trust or other entity which owns and/or operates an apartment complex.
RENT
That sum of money payable under a lease or rental agreement as consideration for the right to use and occupy an apartment.
RENTAL AGREEMENT
That agreement, other than a lease, whether written or oral, that establishes a relationship of landlord and tenant for successive monthly periods.
RENT CONTROL BOARD
The administrative body consisting of five individuals appointed and acting in accordance with Chapter 6, § 6-26.
TENANT
That individual who holds or possesses an apartment and has the right to use and occupy same in accordance with a lease or rental agreement.
B. Word usage. References herein to persons which appear in the masculine singular shall be deemed to include the feminine and plural, as the context may require.