Rental discrimination: a guide for tenants
If you think you're being discriminated against
Contact the local council where the property is located, if you think you’re being discriminated against because you have children or get benefits.
There’s guidance on the Citizens Advice website if you think you’re being discriminated against for other reasons. For example, because you’re disabled or a woman.
The council will ask you for information about your situation and details of the landlord so that they can investigate.
You should keep any evidence you have in case you’re asked for more details.
Evidence can include:
- time-stamped copies of communications - for example, text messages, voicemails, or emails
- copies of, or links to, the advert or the property listing
- legal documents - for example, the tenancy agreement
If your local council agrees that rental discrimination has happened, they will be able to issue the landlord or anyone acting on their behalf a fine of up to £7,000.
They can also refer your case to a relevant ombudsman or redress scheme, who can ask landlords to make an apology or pay financial compensation if appropriate.
You can report the same problem multiple times if it’s not solved.
If you do not want to speak to the local council
Make a complaint to the letting agent or property manager. If you cannot resolve it with them, complain to their redress scheme.
All letting agents must belong to a redress scheme. Redress schemes can help support you with a complaint. Find which redress scheme the letting agent belongs to.
You can also take private legal action against the landlord or letting agent. You should contact a Law Centre or lawyer if you want to do this. You can find your local Law Centre online.
Get advice or support
To talk to someone about rental discrimination, contact: