Leasing License Practice Exam

Which of the following disabilities is protected under the Fair Housing Acts?

1. Mental illness

2. Obesity

3. Color blindness

4. Sleep disorders

The correct answer is: Mental illness

The Fair Housing Act is designed to protect individuals from discrimination based on various factors, including disability. Among the options provided, mental illness is explicitly recognized as a disability under the Act. This recognition is important because it addresses a broad spectrum of conditions that can significantly impact an individual's daily life and ability to access housing. Mental illness can encompass a wide range of disorders, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia, and these can affect an individual's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Housing providers must make reasonable accommodations for individuals with mental health conditions, just as they do for those with physical disabilities. While the other choices—obesity, color blindness, and sleep disorders—may have some considerations for protection in different contexts, they are generally not classified as disabilities under the Fair Housing Act. Obesity, for example, is not considered a disability unless it is linked to an underlying medical condition. Color blindness, although it may affect certain activities, is often not recognized as a disability that qualifies for protections under the Fair Housing Act. Sleep disorders may also not meet the necessary criteria unless they significantly impair a person's ability to function in their daily life in a manner that aligns with the definitions provided in the Act. Thus, mental illness stands out as the clear