Discrimination is still, unfortunately, a part of our lives. While great strides have certainly been made over the last few decades, there are still those in our society who will discriminate against others based on their colour, sexuality, faith, or nationality. When the person discriminating against you is your landlord, it can be particularly devastating.
According to a recent UK gov report, tenants can be exposed to direct and indirect discrimination.
Direct discrimination – This occurs when there is direct and obvious discrimination against a tenant. For example, if a landlord refuses to let an individual because of their ethnicity, faith, or sexuality.
Indirect discrimination – This is where policies that seem neutral on the surface put a particular segment of people at a disadvantage. For example, if a tenant with a disability suffers as a result of policies put in place by the landlord that was not intended to directly affect them.
Thankfully, there is an act that’s been in place in the UK for the last decade that aims to prevent such things from taking place.
The UK Equality Act 2010
Also known as the “Right to Rent Scheme,” this act was not only put into place to ensure only legally registered UK residents can rent privately in the country but so landlords targeted vulnerable migrants could be weeded out. The act provides practical guidance for landlords on what they should do to avoid direct and indirect discrimination and comply with the regulation.
It also underlines that harassment and victimisation are completely unacceptable. This refers to any act that violates a tenant’s dignity or cultivates an intimidating environment. The act has led to a substantial decrease in so-called rogue landlord traits in the last ten years but there are still steps all landlords should be taking to ensure they don’t lapse into old habits.
What can tenants do to overcome housing discrimination?
Unfortunately, while the Equality Act lays out the rules quite plainly, there are still situations where landlords may find themselves falling afoul of them without even realizing it, largely due to indirect discrimination. To ensure they don’t find themselves falling victim to these discriminations, they should consider the following:
Insurance – Taking out renters insurance is the first thing all new tenants should do. This will cover you and your contents in the rare case that a landlord acts out of discrimination towards you.
Citizens Advice – There are several resources online dedicated to helping tenants find their legal footing and the citizens’ advice website is perhaps the most definitive.
Know your rights – Understand that based on age, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, religion, or pregnancy, it is illegal for your landlord to discriminate against you.
Speak your mind – If you feel you are being discriminated against, don’t be afraid to speak up. Your landlord might not be aware. They are only human, after all.
