P.R. Laws tit. 17, § 144
The following terms whenever used or referred to in §§ 143—151 of this title shall have the following respective meanings for the purpose of §§ 143—151 of this title, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
(a) Municipality. — Shall mean any municipality of Puerto Rico including the Government of the Capital.
(b) Governing body. — Shall mean the municipal legislature, board of commissioners or other legislative body, charged with governing a municipality.
(c) Public officer. — Shall mean the officer or officers who are authorized by ordinance adopted hereunder to exercise the powers prescribed by such ordinance and by §§ 143—151 of this title.
(d) Public authority. — Shall mean any housing authority in Puerto Rico, or any officer who is in charge of any department or branch of the government of a municipality or of the Government of Puerto Rico relating to health, fire, building regulations, or to other activities concerning dwellings.
(e) Owner. — Shall mean the holder of the title in fee, or a mortgagee or trustee, whose interest is shown of record or who is in possession of a dwelling, or any person in control of a dwelling, or the agent of any such person.
(f) Parties in interest. — Shall mean individuals, associations or corporations who have an interest of record in or who are in possession of a dwelling.
(g) Dwelling. — Means any building, or structure, or part thereof, used and occupied for human habitation or intended to be so used, and includes any yard, garden, outhouses and appurtenances belonging thereto or usually enjoyed therewith.
History —May 15, 1938, No. 222, p. 429, § 8.