24 C.F.R. § 100.20
§ 100.20 Definitions. (24 CFR Part 100)
Operative Text
The terms Department, Fair Housing Act, and Secretary are defined in 24 CFR part 5. Aggrieved person includes any person who— (a) Claims to have been injured by a discriminatory housing practice; or (b) Believes that such person will be injured by a discriminatory housing practice that is about to occur. Broker or Agent includes any person authorized to perform an action on behalf of another person regarding any matter related to the sale or rental of dwellings, including offers, solicitations or contracts and the administration of matters regarding such offers, solicitations or contracts or any residential real estate-related transactions. Discriminatory housing practice means an act that is unlawful under section 804, 805, 806, or 818 of the Fair Housing Act. 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) A parent or another person having legal custody of such individual or individuals; or (b) The designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the written permission of such parent or other person. Handicap is defined in § 100.201. Person includes one or more individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, labor organizations, legal representatives, mutual companies, joint-stock companies, trusts, unincorporated organizations, trustees, trustees in cases under title 11 U.S.C., receivers, and fiduciaries. Person in the business of selling or renting dwellings means any person who: (a) Within the preceding twelve months, has participated as principal in three or more transactions involving the sale or rental of any dwelling or any interest therein; (b) Within the preceding twelve months, has participated as agent, other than in the sale of his or her own personal residence, in providing sales or rental facilities or sales or rental services in two or more transactions involving the sale or rental of any dwelling or any interest therein; or (c) Is the owner of any dwelling designed or intended for occupancy by, or occupied by, five or more families. State means any of the several states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any of the territories and possessions of the United States.
Section 100.20 of 24 CFR Part 100 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the Fair Housing Act's implementing regulations. Key terms defined here include 'aggrieved person,' which covers anyone who claims to have been harmed—or anticipates being harmed—by a discriminatory housing practice, and 'dwelling,' which broadly encompasses residential buildings, portions of buildings, and even vacant land intended for residential construction. The definition of 'familial status' protects households where minors live with a parent, legal guardian, or that guardian's written designee, while 'person in the business of selling or renting dwellings' sets thresholds that determine which actors are subject to the Act's requirements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators and property managers should be aware that § 100.20's definitions shape who is covered by fair housing obligations and what conduct triggers them. Owners of buildings designed or occupied by five or more families, as well as those who participate in two or more rental transactions within a twelve-month period as an agent, fall within the definition of a 'person in the business of selling or renting dwellings' under this section. Compliant operators typically train staff and agents—who are themselves covered under the 'broker or agent' definition—on these threshold definitions so that fair housing duties are consistently recognized and applied.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 100.20, the definition of 'aggrieved person' is broad enough to include renters or prospective renters who believe they have already been harmed by a discriminatory housing practice, as well as those who believe such harm is imminent. Tenants who believe they have experienced a discriminatory housing practice may have the option of filing a complaint with HUD or pursuing other remedies available under the Fair Housing Act. Tenant-rights organizations can help individuals understand how these definitions apply to their circumstances and what general enforcement paths may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 3, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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