For the purposes of this Chapter, the following terms, phrases, words, and their derivations shall have the meaning given herein. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future; words in the plural number include the singular number; and words in the singular number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely discretionary.
(a) "Lease" means the written or oral agreement that sets forth any and all conditions concerning the use and occupancy of rental units.
(b) "Notice of Violation" means a notice issued by the City Manager, his/her designee, or the Code Enforcement Officer to the owner of real property or to their designated agent that there has been a violation of a provision of this Chapter or any other applicable section of the Springfield City Code, ordinance, rule or regulation concerning the occupancy or condition of a premise that is leased or for lease, vacant or occupied.
(c) "Premises" means part or all of any lot, parcel, or tract or part or all of any building or structure or group of buildings or structures located thereon. (has the same meaning as defined in 1102.02 (p)(11))
(d) "Owner" means the registered owner of a Rental Dwelling Unit, any person who holds legal or equitable title to the property, is a mortgagee, a vendee-in-possession, assignee of rents, executor, trustee, lessee, agent, or any other person, firm or corporation that is directly or indirectly in control of a Rental Dwelling Unit.
(e) "Designated Agent" means a business entity located in or an individual person eighteen (18) years or older residing in the State of Ohio with an address other than a post office box and named by an owner as a secondary point of contact regarding the use or condition of the land and the occupancy and physical condition of structures on a platted lot or parcel of land.
(Ord. 24-81. Passed 3-26-2024.)
(f) "Rental Dwelling Unit" means any structure or part thereof used by a person or persons other than the owner for residential purposes. Rental dwelling units may also be known as rental dwellings, rental units, dwelling units, or housekeeping units.
(g) "Tenant" means a person occupying a dwelling unit, other than a guest, or using the property as a legal address for any type.