Disability Harassment: Renters’ Rights in Northern Ireland

If you’re a tenant in Northern Ireland and have a disability, you are protected from harassment by law. Whether you rent from a private landlord, housing association, or council, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the steps to take if you or someone in your household faces harassment linked to disability. This guide highlights what counts as harassment, what protections you have under the law, and how to take action with support from official bodies.

What is Disability Harassment in Renting?

Harassment is unwanted conduct related to your disability that violates your dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. This can come from your landlord, letting agent, other tenants, or even visitors.

• Verbal abuse about your disability
• Unjustified threats of eviction or rent increase because of your disability
• Refusal to make reasonable adjustments
• Unfair treatment compared to other tenants

Disability discrimination is unlawful under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (as it applies in Northern Ireland) and the Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.¹

Your Legal Protections

As a renter, you are protected against disability harassment under:

• The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 – sets out the right to reasonable adjustments and protection from discrimination
• The Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 – strengthens and updates protections
• The Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 – outlines minimum housing standards

How to Take Action if You’re Harassed

Here are the main steps you can take if you experience disability-related harassment as a renter in Northern Ireland:

• Raise the issue with your landlord or letting agent in writing, clearly describing what has happened.
• If the problem is not resolved or you do not feel safe to complain directly, contact the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (Equality Commission website) for independent advice and support.
• Ask your landlord for reasonable adjustments (such as changes to policies or physical changes to suit your needs). Landlords are required to consider and respond to reasonable adjustment requests under the law.
• If harassment continues or isn’t dealt with, you can make a formal complaint to the county court using the formal process (see below) to enforce your rights.

Making a Formal Equality Complaint

If informal steps don’t resolve the matter, you may need to begin formal proceedings.

• Form: Disability Discrimination County Court Application (No official form number)
  To claim disability discrimination or harassment, you must submit an application to the county court outlining your circumstances. There is no prescribed claim form, but the court will require detailed particulars of claim and supporting evidence.
  For how this works:
  Example: If your landlord refuses a reasonable adjustment after you’ve asked in writing, or retaliates by threatening eviction, you can submit an application to the county court for discrimination.
  Find official court contact details and guidance at the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service.

For advice on how to present your case or to obtain support with paperwork, the Equality Commission’s disability rights in housing page has step-by-step guidance.

Official Body Handling Tenant Complaints

In Northern Ireland, the principal tribunal for tenancy disputes is the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service. The county court is responsible for disability discrimination matters involving housing.

Summary: Knowing Your Rights

Harassment due to disability is unlawful. Renters in Northern Ireland have strong protections and multiple support routes if facing discrimination. Keeping written records and acting quickly can greatly improve your ability to resolve the situation.

FAQs: Disability Harassment and Northern Ireland Renting

1. What counts as disability harassment by a landlord?
   Any unwanted conduct related to your disability that makes you feel humiliated, unsafe, or targeted counts as harassment. This could include verbal abuse, refusing reasonable adjustments, or threatening eviction for disability-related reasons.
2. Can I be evicted because I requested adjustments for my disability?
   No. The law protects you from being evicted for asking for reasonable adjustments linked to your disability, and doing so may itself be considered discrimination.
3. How do I complain officially about disability harassment in my tenancy?
   You can submit an application to your local county court, detailing the discriminatory behaviour and its effects. The Equality Commission can support you with this process.
4. Which agency gives support to disabled renters in Northern Ireland?
   The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland provides free specialist advice and can offer support with complaints or court action about disability discrimination in housing.
5. Is there a time limit for bringing a complaint?
   Yes, you usually have six months from the date of the discriminatory incident to bring a claim to the county court. Getting advice quickly is important.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• You have a right to live free from harassment related to disability as a renter in Northern Ireland.
• Keeping evidence and using formal complaint routes can help stop discrimination and protect your tenancy.
• Specialist agencies like the Equality Commission can guide and support you through the process.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Equality Commission for Northern Ireland – Free advice on disability discrimination in housing (0800 918 0055)
• Northern Ireland Housing Executive: People with Disabilities – Practical support and guidance
• Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service – For court procedures and application information
• Department for Communities – Housing – General housing policy and information

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1. Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Northern Ireland)
2. Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006
3. Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006

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