Can Landlords Refuse Tenants Based on Age in Wales?

If you’re searching for a home to rent in Wales, you may wonder whether landlords are allowed to select or refuse tenants based on their age. Understanding your rights around age discrimination is essential, as the law offers renters clear protections in many situations. This article explains what Welsh law says about landlords, age, and discrimination, and what steps you can take if you believe you’ve been treated unfairly.

Is It Legal for Landlords to Choose Tenants Based on Age in Wales?

The law generally protects renters in Wales from discrimination based on age when renting or buying property. Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful for landlords to discriminate against you because of your age in most situations, especially when letting out housing or managing tenancies¹.

• Direct discrimination: This means treating someone less favourably because of their age – for example, saying “no one under 30” in property advertisements.
• Indirect discrimination: Rules or policies that put people of a certain age at a disadvantage without good reason may also be unlawful.

However, some exceptions exist – for instance, properties specifically designed for older people (such as retirement homes) can legally set age restrictions.

What Are the Exceptions?

There are limited legal exceptions where landlords can lawfully restrict tenants by age:

• Age-restricted housing: If a property or scheme is designed for a certain age group (e.g., retirement living for over 55s), exemptions may apply.
• Lodgers in a live-in landlord’s home: When renting a room in the landlord’s own residence, some parts of the Equality Act may not apply.

For most regular renting situations, such as private rentals or social housing, landlords in Wales cannot refuse a tenancy solely because of your age.

What Should I Do If I Think I’ve Faced Age Discrimination?

If a landlord or letting agent refuses your application, advertises with age restrictions, or treats you unfairly due to age (outside the legal exceptions), you may have grounds to challenge this.

Action Steps for Challenging Age Discrimination

• Gather evidence: Save messages, adverts, emails, or any communication that suggests age was a factor.
• Contact your local council’s housing department for advice or to make a complaint — find your council here.
• Raise a complaint with the landlord or agent: You can use their official complaints process.
• Consider formally challenging discrimination: If needed, you can take your case to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), which handles housing disputes in Wales.

For more about resolving housing disputes, visit the official tribunal guidance.

Relevant Official Forms for Renters in Wales

There isn’t a dedicated form for reporting discrimination by a landlord, but you can make a complaint using the organisation's official process or escalate to the tribunal if required:

• First-tier Tribunal Property Chamber Application (Form ET1): Used to submit housing-related claims or disputes, such as unlawful discrimination claims. Example: If your landlord refuses you because of your age and won’t resolve the issue, you may use this form to seek a formal hearing. Official forms and guidance

What Laws Protect Welsh Renters?

Several laws protect Welsh renters from discrimination, including:

• Equality Act 2010 – main legislation protecting from age discrimination¹.
• Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – outlines general rights and obligations of renting in Wales².

Other Types of Discrimination

Age is just one protected characteristic. Under the Equality Act, landlords also can’t discriminate because of disability, gender, race, religion, and other grounds.

FAQs: Age Discrimination and Renting in Wales

1. Can my landlord ask for my age before offering a tenancy? Landlords may ask your age for reference or ID checks, but using your age to refuse you (unless there’s a legal exemption) is usually unlawful.
2. Are there any age requirements for renting in Wales? Generally, tenants must be at least 18 to hold a tenancy agreement. Beyond this, age requirements are not permitted unless the property is age-restricted by law.
3. What proof do I need to show age discrimination? Keep emails, texts, or adverts that mention age-specific rules or reasons for rejection. The more written evidence you have, the easier it is to challenge discrimination.
4. Where can I go if I’m not sure if I’ve been discriminated against? You can contact your local council’s housing department, Citizens Advice, or seek legal advice for support on what to do next.
5. Can a landlord evict me because of my age? No, eviction on the grounds of age is not allowed under the Equality Act 2010.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Renters

• You are generally protected by law from age discrimination when renting in Wales.
• Some exceptions apply, such as for retirement living, but most private, council, and housing association landlords cannot refuse you based on your age.
• If you think you’ve been discriminated against, keep written evidence, use official complaints processes, and seek support from housing services or the tribunal if necessary.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government: Renting Homes – Comprehensive information for tenants about rights and protections.
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – Handles housing disputes and claims of discrimination in Wales.
• Equality and Human Rights Commission: Renters and Tenants – Practical guidance on your rights under equality law.
• Citizens Advice Wales: Discrimination in Housing – Support and steps for anyone facing discrimination.
• Find Your Local Council – Contact details for your local housing team.

1. See the Equality Act 2010 – full legislation.
2. Review the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 for renting rules specific to Wales.