Which of the following best defines having a disability?

• A. An impairment that substantially limits one or more of the person's major life activities.
• B. A temporary illness with no lasting impact.
• C. A criminal record causing housing issues.
• D. A preference for a particular living arrangement

Answer: (A)

Disability under federal fair housing law is defined as an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This means the condition must cause a significant restriction in important daily functions—such as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, or caring for oneself—or in major bodily functions. The key is that the limitation is substantial, not merely minor or temporary.

Temporary illnesses with no lasting impact don’t meet this standard because they aren’t lasting impairments that substantially restrict major life activities. A criminal record or housing issues stemming from it isn’t a disability, since a disability is about impairments, not past conduct. A preference for a particular living arrangement isn’t an impairment or a condition that limits major life activities.