Race and Religion Discrimination in Renting: Your Rights in England

Facing discrimination when trying to rent a home can be distressing. If you are a renter in England and believe you have been refused housing because of your race or religion, it’s vitally important to understand your legal rights. This guide explains the law, your protections, and the steps you can take for fair treatment in the private and social rental sectors.

Your Protection Under the Law

In England, it is illegal for landlords and letting agents to refuse to rent to someone based on race or religion. This is not just best practice—it's a legal requirement.

• Race covers your colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins.
• Religion (or lack of religion) refers to any religious belief or philosophical belief.

These protected characteristics are clearly set out in the Equality Act 2010^[1]. This Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against you in housing because of your race or religion.

What Actions Are Illegal?

Under the Equality Act, landlords and agents can’t:

• Refuse to let a property to you based on your race or religion
• Offer less favourable tenancy terms because of your race or religion
• Treat you unfairly in repairs, evictions, or renewals for these reasons

These rules apply whether you’re renting from a private landlord, a letting agency, or a local authority or housing association.

Proving Discrimination

If you suspect you have been refused a rental due to race or religion, try to keep clear notes and evidence. This could include:

• Written communication (emails, messages) with the landlord or agent
• Details of conversations—dates, times, who was present
• Adverts or other tenancy offers received

If you can, compare your experience with another applicant who does not share your race or religion, as this sometimes helps to show a difference in treatment.

If you believe you have been refused a tenancy because of your race or religion, you have the right to challenge this under the Equality Act 2010.

How to Take Action

If you believe you have been unlawfully discriminated against when renting in England, you can:

• Complain directly to the landlord or letting agent and ask them to explain their decision
• Seek advice from organisations such as Citizens Advice or your local council
• Raise a formal complaint using the letting agent or council’s complaints process
• Apply to the county court for compensation or other redress if the issue isn’t resolved

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Application to County Court under the Equality Act 2010 (N1 Claim Form): If informal complaints do not resolve the issue, you can apply to the County Court using the N1 Claim Form.
  Example: If a landlord refused to let you view a property after learning your religion, you could use this form to start a discrimination claim.

You can find further instructions for this process on the Discrimination: your rights page on GOV.UK.

Which Tribunal Handles Discrimination Claims?

For housing discrimination claims related to race or religion, cases are generally heard by the County Court, not a specialist tribunal for tenancies. However, for general housing disputes (such as deposit issues or repairs), you may use the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) in England.

Summary: Race or religion-based refusals are illegal in all forms of housing in England. You are protected by the Equality Act 2010, and there are clear routes to make complaints or take legal action if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord in England refuse to rent to me because of my race or religion?
   No, this is illegal under the Equality Act 2010. Landlords must not discriminate because of protected characteristics like race or religion.
2. Is there a government form I can use to make a discrimination claim?
   Yes. You can use the N1 Claim Form to start a court claim against a landlord for discrimination.
3. Who decides if discrimination took place in renting?
   The County Court (England and Wales) decides housing discrimination claims. You may also seek help from local councils or the Equality Advisory and Support Service for early-stage support.
4. What should I do if I feel I’ve been discriminated against?
   Gather evidence, complain to the landlord or agent, and seek advice from an independent organisation or your local council. You have the right to take legal action if necessary.
5. Does the law protect me if I am of no religion?
   Yes. Discrimination against you because you are not religious is also unlawful under the Equality Act 2010.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Equality Advisory and Support Service – Free helpline for discrimination advice
• GOV.UK: Discrimination – Your Rights
• Shelter England: Housing Discrimination Advice
• Citizens Advice: Discrimination in Housing
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)

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1. Equality Act 2010 - full legislation
2. GOV.UK: Discrimination – Your Rights
3. N1 Claim Form: County Court Application
4. First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)

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