Hawaii Pre-Licensing National Practice Exam

What typically constitutes a handicapping condition under the Fair Housing Act?

1. Physical disabilities only

2. Mental impairments that limit major life activities

3. Temporary injuries

4. Age-related conditions

The correct answer is: Mental impairments that limit major life activities

The Fair Housing Act recognizes various types of disabilities, and a handicapping condition typically includes mental impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities. This definition emphasizes the significance of such impairments in affecting a person's ability to carry out daily functions, making it clear that the scope of the Act extends beyond just physical disabilities. While physical disabilities are important, they are not the sole category recognized under the Fair Housing Act. The inclusion of mental impairments highlights the intention of the law to provide protections for individuals who may face challenges not visibly apparent but that nonetheless impact their life activities significantly. Temporary injuries and age-related conditions do not usually fall under the definition of handicapping conditions as per the Fair Housing Act since they typically do not rise to the level of substantial limitation on major life activities. For instance, a broken leg might cause temporary mobility issues, but it does not constitute a lasting impairing condition. Similarly, age itself is not regarded as a handicap under the Act, as it does not automatically signify a disability that limits major life activities.