§ 17-20. Definitions.  


Latest version.
  • The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

    Age means an individual who has attained the individual's 55th birthday.

    Disability means, with respect to a person:

    (1)

    A physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities;

    (2)

    A record of having such an impairment; or

    (3)

    Being regarded as having such an impairment.

    The term does not include current, illegal use of or addiction to a controlled substance as defined in State or Federal law. Neither the term "individual with disability" nor the term "disability" shall apply to an individual solely because that individual is a transvestite.

    Discriminatory housing practices means an act that is unlawful under Section 17-21 or 17-22.

    Dwelling means any building, structure, or portion thereof which is occupied as or designed or intended for occupancy as a residence by one or more families, and any vacant land which is offered for sale or lease for the construction or location thereon of any such building, structure, or portion thereof.

    Familial status means one or more individuals who have not attained the age of 18 years being domiciled with a parent or other person having legal custody of such individual, or the designee of such parent or other person having custody with the written permission of such parent or other person. The term "familial status" also includes any person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years. For purposes of this definition, the phrase "in the process of securing legal custody" means having filed an appropriate petition to obtain legal custody of such minor in a court of competent jurisdiction.

    Family includes a single individual, whether male or female.

    Person includes one or more individuals, whether male or female, corporations, partnerships, associations, labor organizations, legal representatives, mutual companies, joint stock companies, trusts, unincorporated organizations, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers and fiduciaries.

    Restrictive covenants means any specification limiting the transfer, rental, or lease of any dwelling because of race, color, religion, national origin, familial status, sex, marital status, presence of children in a family, disability or age.

    To rent includes to lease, to sublease, to let or otherwise to grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises not owned by the occupant.

    (Code 1993, § 16-91(b); Code 2004, § 58-32)

    Cross reference— Definitions generally, § 1-2.

    State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 36-96.1:1.

(Code 1993, § 16-91(b); Code 2004, § 58-32)

State law reference

Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 36-96.1:1.

Cross reference

Definitions generally, § 1-2.