Landlords flout law on protection for welfare tenants

Landlords are breaking the law by continuing to turn away tenants who receive rent supplement and other forms of housing or welfare assistance despite the practice being made illegal at the beginning of this year.

The Human Rights and Equality Commission has stepped in to warn landlords of the legal prohibition and to advise tenants of their rights if they face discrimination. Since January 1, the Equality Act has been extended to outlaw discrimination against any person on the basis that they are in receipt of housing assistance.

That means landlords, or their letting agents, cannot include a no-rent supplement condition when advertising a rental property, or refuse a prospective tenant simply on the basis that they are in receipt of assistance.