How does the Fair Housing Act define "disability"?

The Fair Housing Act defines "disability" specifically as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This definition is comprehensive and emphasizes the importance of the effect the impairment has on the individual's daily life and functioning.

By focusing on the term "substantially limits," the Act recognizes that not all medical conditions qualify as disabilities; rather, it is the limitation imposed on the person's ability to perform major life activities that matters. Major life activities can include basic functions such as walking, talking, seeing, hearing, or performing manual tasks, as well as broader activities like caring for oneself, working, and learning.

This definition aligns with the broader goals of the Fair Housing Act, which seeks to protect individuals from discrimination based on their disabilities, ensuring they have equal opportunities to access housing and services.