Who is protected by fair housing laws?
Housing applicants, tenants and buyers with any kind of disability – mental or physical – are covered by the VFHL, FHA, Section 504, and Title II. The VFHL and FHA provide protection against discrimination based on a person=s own disability or history of disability; association with a person with a disability, such as a family member; or the disability of a person who will reside in a house or apartment after it is sold or rented.5 A person with a “handicap” or “disability” is defined in the VFHL and FHA as someone: • with a “physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities”; or • who has a record of having such an impairment; or • who is regarded as having such an impairment.6 • Section 504 and the ADA also use this definition.7 This definition is broader than the definition used to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, so a person may be protected under the VFHL and FHA but still not be eligible for disability or supplemental securi
