Housing Discrimination Laws for Renters in Wales

If you rent a home in Wales, you deserve fair treatment. Discrimination in housing—being treated unfairly because of who you are—is illegal under Welsh law. This article explains how the law protects you, signs of discrimination, and what to do if you think you’ve experienced it.

When Is Discrimination in Housing Illegal in Wales?

The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful for landlords and letting agents to treat renters unfairly because of certain ‘protected characteristics’.

Protected Characteristics

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage or civil partnership
• Pregnancy or maternity
• Race (including nationality and ethnicity)
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

This law applies to all types of rented homes—private, council, and housing association properties.

What Counts as Discrimination?

Landlords or agents cannot:

• Refuse to rent to you because of a protected characteristic
• Offer worse tenancy terms or higher rent for the same reason
• Harass you, for example with offensive language or behaviour
• Deny you repairs or services because of who you are

Indirect discrimination is also illegal. This means rules or practices that seem fair but put people with a protected characteristic at a disadvantage (unless they have a good legal reason).

What Should You Do If You Experience Discrimination?

If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly, keep records—emails, letters, or notes about what happened and when. You can raise your concerns directly with your landlord or agent, or complain to external bodies.

How to Make a Complaint: Steps and Forms

• Contact your landlord or letting agent: Put your complaint in writing. Explain clearly what happened and why you think it’s discrimination.
• Contact Rent Smart Wales: They regulate private landlords and agents. You may wish to contact them if your landlord is not responding or is unregistered.
• Complain to the county court: The court can make your landlord stop discriminatory behaviour, and may award compensation.

Relevant Official Forms

• N1 Claim Form: Claim for Money or Remedy
  Form N1 is used to start a civil claim in the county court. For example, if you want to claim compensation for discrimination, you fill in and submit this form to the court.
  How to use it: Fill in your details, a description of what happened, and what outcome you want. Guidance is on the official government site.
• Dispute Resolution Request: Residential Property Tribunal Wales
  The Residential Property Tribunal Wales hears some housing discrimination cases, especially about landlord obligations and tenancy disputes.
  How to use it: If your issue is about a landlord’s duty to make reasonable adjustments or harassment, you can contact the Tribunal for guidance or make a written application.

What Happens If a Landlord Breaks the Law?

If a court finds your landlord has discriminated, they may order them to:

• Pay you compensation
• Change how they manage the property
• Stop the unfair treatment

Sometimes the Residential Property Tribunal Wales also hears related issues, especially for social landlords and housing associations in Wales.

The Legislation Covering Welsh Tenancies

• Equality Act 2010 – Main anti-discrimination law
• Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – Sets out tenant and landlord duties in Wales

Together, these laws provide robust protection.

FAQ: Discrimination & Your Renting Rights in Wales

1. What evidence should I collect if I think I’ve been discriminated against?
   Keep a copy of every message and note down dates, times, and what was said in person or by phone. The more details you have, the stronger your case will be.
2. Can a landlord refuse to rent to someone on benefits?
   Blanket bans (like ‘No DSS’ or ‘No benefits’) may be indirect discrimination, especially if they affect disabled people, single parents, or others with protected characteristics.
3. Who do I complain to about housing discrimination in Wales?
   Start with your landlord or letting agent, then contact Equality and Human Rights Commission, or consider county court action. Rent Smart Wales can advise if your landlord is registered.
4. What is meant by reasonable adjustments?
   Reasonable adjustments are changes made to a property or how services are delivered, so disabled tenants can live safely (e.g., handrails or allowing guide dogs).
5. Can I be evicted for complaining about discrimination?
   It’s illegal for landlords to evict you simply because you asserted your rights or made a complaint about discrimination. If this happens, seek legal advice.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Discrimination in renting is illegal in Wales under the Equality Act 2010 and renting laws
• Document incidents, use official complaint forms, and seek guidance if needed
• Support and protection are available through official bodies and the courts

Understanding your rights can help you feel empowered and protect your home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Residential Property Tribunal Wales: Handles tenancy disputes and some discrimination issues
• Equality and Human Rights Commission: Offers guidance and help making a discrimination complaint
• Rent Smart Wales: Government regulator of private landlords and agents
• GOV.UK: Housing Rights for Disabled People: Official guides on accessible housing and reasonable adjustments

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1. Equality Act 2010
2. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
3. Residential Property Tribunal Wales
4. N1 Claim Form (County Court)
5. Equality and Human Rights Commission: Renting and Letting a Home

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