For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DISCRIMINATION or DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICE. Any difference in treatment based upon race, color, religion, sex or national origin; or any act that is unlawful under this subchapter.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION. Includes any person, as defined herein, engaged in the business of lending money or guaranteeing losses.
HOUSING ACCOMMODATION or DWELLING. Any building, mobile home or trailer, 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, mobile home or trailer, structure or portion thereof or any real property, as defined herein, used or intended to be used for any of the purposes set forth herein.
MORTGAGE BROKER. An individual who is engaged in or who performs the business or services of a mortgage broker as the same are defined by state statutes.
OPEN MARKET. The market which is informed of the availability for sale, purchase, rental or lease of any housing accommodation, whether informed through a real estate broker or by advertising by publication, signs or by other advertising methods directed to the public or any portion thereof, indicating that the property is available for sale, purchase, rental or lease.
OWNER. Includes a lessee, sub-lessee, co-tenant, assignee, managing agent or other person having the right of ownership or possession, or the right to sell, rent or lease any housing accommodation.
PERSON. Includes individuals, children, firms, associations, joint adventures, partnerships, estates, trusts, business trusts, syndicates, fiduciaries, corporations and all other groups or combinations.
REAL ESTATE BROKER or REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON. Includes any individual, qualified by law, who, for a fee, commission, salary or for other valuable consideration, or who with the intention or expectation of receiving or collecting same, lists, sells, purchases, rents or leases any housing accommodations, including options thereupon, or who negotiates or attempts to negotiate such activities; or who advertises or holds himself or herself out as engaged in such activities; or who negotiates or attempts to negotiate a loan, secured by a mortgage or other encumbrance, upon transfer of any housing accommodation; or who is engaged in the business of charging an advance fee or contracting for collection of a fee in connection with a contract whereby he or she undertakes to promote the sale, purchase, rental or lease of any housing accommodation through its listing in a publication issued primarily for such purpose; or an individual employed by or acting on behalf of any of these.
REAL PROPERTY. Includes buildings, structures, lands tenements, leaseholds, cooperatives and condominiums.
(2005 Code, § 46.01)