According to the Fair Housing Act, who is considered a person with a disability?

The Fair Housing Act defines a person with a disability as one who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This definition also encompasses individuals who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability. This means that a person who has previously been diagnosed with a disability and has a documented history of that impairment qualifies under the Fair Housing Act.

The significance of this qualification lies in ensuring that individuals who have faced disabilities in the past are not discriminated against in housing, regardless of their current health status. This protects their rights and ensures that they have equal opportunities in housing arrangements.

While someone currently receiving treatment may indicate an ongoing disability, the legal definition encompasses wider circumstances, including those with a history of such disabilities. Additionally, age alone, such as being over 65, does not inherently classify an individual as disabled unless they have an impairment that limits major life activities. Having a family member with a disability does not extend the legal definition of disability to the individual themselves, as it pertains specifically to the person facing the impairment.