What is the definition of 'handicap' in the context of housing?

The definition of 'handicap' in the context of housing is understood as a physical, mental, or emotional impairment that limits a person's major life activities. This characterization aligns closely with the legal definitions provided under the Fair Housing Act and other relevant legislation, which aim to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in various aspects of housing.

This definition recognizes that various types of impairments—whether they are physical mobility challenges, mental health issues, or emotional difficulties—can significantly restrict an individual's ability to perform everyday activities. By including all three types of impairments, it ensures a broad and inclusive understanding of what constitutes a handicap, reflecting the complexity of disabilities that individuals may experience.

Options that suggest a focus on employment (as in the reference to disabilities preventing employment and housing) limit the scope of understanding a handicap as linked strictly to working conditions rather than to broader life activities, which is essential for housing contexts. Furthermore, descriptions that narrow the definition to temporary conditions or specific psychological limitations fail to capture the persistence and variety of disabilities recognized under fair housing laws. This underscores the importance of providing equal housing opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their physical or mental health statuses.