Racial discrimination in housing is unlawful. Whether you are looking for somewhere to rent or are already a tenant, you have legal protections. Here is what
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Racial discrimination in housing is unlawful. Whether you are looking for somewhere to rent or are already a tenant, you have legal protections. Here is what the law says, and what you can do if you have been treated unfairly because of your race or ethnicity.
What does the law say?
The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful for a landlord or letting agent to discriminate against you because of your race, colour, nationality, or ethnic or national origins. This applies at every stage of renting, from advertising and viewings through to how you are treated during your tenancy.
Discrimination can be:
- Direct: you are treated worse than someone of a different race in a similar situation
- Indirect: a rule or policy that applies to everyone but puts people of your race at a particular disadvantage, without a legitimate reason
- Harassment: behaviour related to your race that creates a hostile, degrading, or offensive environment
- Victimisation: being treated badly because you complained about discrimination or helped someone else who did
Examples of unlawful discrimination
- Refusing to let a property to you because of your race, even if the landlord does not say this directly
- Advertising a property with conditions that exclude particular nationalities (such as "no overseas students" or "preferred English-speaking tenant only")
- Charging you higher rent or deposits than other tenants without a legitimate reason
- Evicting you or threatening eviction for reasons linked to your race
- Failing to carry out repairs while doing so for tenants of a different race
What about "No DSS" policies and overseas tenants?
Policies that refuse tenants on the basis of their immigration status or country of origin can amount to indirect racial discrimination in some circumstances. Courts and tribunals have found in certain cases that blanket bans, particularly those applied without considering individual circumstances, can be unlawful.
What can I do if I have been discriminated against?
Gather evidence
Keep records of anything relevant, messages from your landlord or agent, emails, letters, screenshots, and dates of conversations. If you have a witness, note their details.
Report to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
The EHRC enforces equality law and can take action against landlords and agents. They have a helpline and online guidance.
Make a complaint to the Property Ombudsman or Property Redress Scheme
If a letting agent is involved, you can complain to the redress scheme they belong to. All letting agents in England must be a member of an approved scheme.
Bring a claim in the county court
Discrimination claims in housing can be brought in the county court. Time limits apply, usually six months from the act of discrimination. You may be able to get legal aid or support from a housing charity or law centre.
Contact Citizens Advice or Shelter
Both organisations can advise you on your rights and the options available to you.
When should I contact Support for Tenants?
We help tenants with housing disrepair claims, situations where a landlord has failed to keep a property in a safe or habitable condition. If you believe your landlord has failed to repair your home while maintaining properties for other tenants, and you think this may be connected to race, call us to discuss your situation.
Call us on 0800 030 4669. No upfront cost. You only pay if you win, and the fee comes out of the compensation, not your pocket. If you don't win, you pay nothing.
Sources
Related articles
We review every guide at least twice a year and update it when the law changes. If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 15 June 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.
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