Can Landlords discriminate like this?

HollieBee

Hi all! First time poster here.

I’m just wondering, me and my friend are looking to rent a place in Swansea together (both healthcare professionals in steady jobs in the hospital nearby and 3 years renting history each and guarantors). We recently viewed a house that we LOVED and we put in an application. We got told today that we were rejected because the other applicants were a family.

So, my question is, is something landlords are allowed to base their decisions on? I know they’re not allowed to discriminate against certain things and I’m sure familial

AdrianC

"House-sharers" aren't a protected group under the Equalities Act, so - no - you aren't being discriminated against.

I can entirely understand why a landlord would prefer a family unit to friends house-sharing.

davidmcn

In short, yes. I can't see that it falls under any of the protected characteristics in the Equality Act i.e. age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

AnotherJoe

Flip the coin.

I’m just wondering, I am looking to rent a place for my family and me in Swansea together (both me and partner healthcare professionals in steady jobs in the hospital nearby and 3 years renting history each and guarantors) and two well behaved small children.

We recently viewed a house that we LOVED and we put in an application. We got told today that we were rejected because the other applicants were two professionals and they felt a family would cause more damage. So, my question is, is something landlords are allowed to based their decisions on?

Mr_Singleton

Beat me to it!

Simby

If it’s any consolation op, I would chosen 2 professional house sharers versus a family

Professionals will be out at work equals less wear and tear on the property.

Families kids tend to result in more wear and tear

Comms69

HollieBee wrote: »

Hi all! First time poster here.

I’m just wondering, me and my friend are looking to rent a place in Swansea together (both healthcare professionals in steady jobs in the hospital nearby and 3 years renting history each and guarantors). We recently viewed a house that we LOVED and we put in an application. We got told today that we were rejected because the other applicants were a family.

So, my question is, is something landlords are allowed to base their decisions on? I know they’re not allowed to discriminate against certain things and I’m sure familial

Yes. In reality a LL can discriminate for any reason. Whilst some may be unlawful, it would be a waste of time to try to prove that.


This reason is a lawful one. 99% of discrimination is lawful.

Blondetotty

My upstairs neighbour let her flat out to two young “healthcare professionals” aka nurses a number of years ago. For over a year it was non-stop partying, noise, mess and a total disregard for the other 4 flats in the block. As it happened, they also made a complete mess of the flat and she had to refurb it before letting it again. The Polish family with one young toddler opposite me on the other hand were wonderful. Helpful, friendly, helped with oddjobs, cleaned communal areas and were wonderfully neighbourly. I know who I’d rent to if I had to make a decision like that.

As an aside, the “healthcare professionals” ended up moving out suddenly after I left a can of WD40 on their doorstep with a note saying “for your bed springs”. I wasn't to know that the dark haired tenant was busy keeping the blonde haired tenants boyfriend company at night while Blondie worked the nightshift was I?

Morbier

It's no more than a lottery. Several people apply, the landlord picks one. End of. Luck of the draw.

Yes, I know it's annoying/disappointing, especially when it's a property that seems perfect for you. Keep looking, something will turn up. I speak from experience as a renter.

KatrinaWaves

Simby wrote: »

If it’s any consolation op, I would chosen 2 professional house sharers versus a family

Professionals will be out at work equals less wear and tear on the property.

Families kids tend to result in more wear and tear

Families are potentially more likely to settle in one spot due to school places. Professional housesharers have two opportunities for new jobs, new partners etc.

families may present a more secure long term let.

Many reasons to prefer either, and neither are of course illegal discrimination.

Comms69

KatrinaWaves wrote: »

Families are potentially more likely to settle in one spot due to school places. Professional housesharers have two opportunities for new jobs, new partners etc.

families may present a more secure long term let.

Many reasons to prefer either, and neither are of course illegal discrimination.

Except pregnancy* - though that only applies in this instance to the 6 months following birth