Landlord Discrimination Against Specific Groups in Wales: Your Rights

Renters in Wales are protected by clear laws that prohibit landlords from targeting or treating specific groups unfairly. Understanding your rights can help you take effective action if you experience or witness discrimination based on who you are or another characteristic. This guide explains what counts as illegal discrimination, what you can do if it happens, and the steps for getting help under Welsh housing law.

What Is Discrimination by a Landlord?

Discrimination means treating someone unfairly because of a protected characteristic, such as race, religion, sex, disability, or sexuality. In Wales, it is against the law for a landlord to:

• Refuse to rent to you based on a protected characteristic
• Offer worse tenancy terms than to others
• Evict you or threaten eviction due to who you are
• Deny repairs, access, or services because you belong to a specific group

This is covered under the Equality Act 2010^[1].

Protected Groups Under Welsh Law

A landlord must not treat you differently because of:

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

If a landlord appears to be targeting a specific group from one of these protected characteristics, this is likely to be unlawful discrimination.

Examples of Discrimination

• A landlord openly advertises that they won’t rent to certain nationalities.
• Evicting a tenant because they follow a particular religion.
• Charging higher rent or deposits only to elderly or disabled tenants.

What to Do If You Experience Discrimination

If you believe a landlord is targeting a specific group or discriminating against you, you have the right to challenge their actions. The process is designed to be accessible:

• Gather evidence (emails, texts, adverts, or witness statements).
• Raise your concern directly with your landlord if you feel safe to do so.
• If the issue is not resolved, you can file a complaint or start a legal claim.

If you feel threatened or unsafe at any point, seek help immediately. Specialist organisations can support you even if you are unsure about your rights.

How to Take Action

• Contact Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) for discrimination advice.
• Speak to Shelter Cymru or your local council’s housing team.
• If your landlord is a registered provider, you can also complain via their official complaint procedure.

If informal resolution does not work, you may need to take your complaint to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales—the official tribunal handling residential tenancy disputes in Wales.

Relevant Legislation and Official Forms

• Equality Act 2010—Protects tenants from discrimination. Read the full Equality Act 2010
• Housing (Wales) Act 2014—Sets out landlord and tenant rights, including registration and standards. See the Housing (Wales) Act 2014^[2]
• Form ET1: Employment Tribunal Claim Form
  • Download ET1 Claim Form
  • Used if you wish to start discrimination claims relating to housing services provided by a landlord who is also your employer. Complete this form to begin your case.
• Residential Property Tribunal Application Forms
  • See Tribunal Forms
  • Used to challenge tenancy issues or unlawful eviction—helpful if discrimination is linked to a housing management decision.

These forms and procedures help formalise your complaint and allow your case to be considered fairly by an independent tribunal or board.

FAQ: Discrimination and Targeting of Groups by Landlords in Wales

1. Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because of my nationality or religion?
   No, it is illegal under the Equality Act 2010 for a landlord to refuse to rent to anyone based on nationality, religion, or any other protected characteristic.
2. What should I do if I think I've been discriminated against?
   Collect any evidence, contact a support service like Shelter Cymru, and consider making a formal complaint to the landlord or tribunal if it’s not resolved.
3. Does discrimination include being treated unfairly after moving in?
   Yes, discrimination laws also protect you during your tenancy, not just when applying to rent.
4. Which tribunal handles landlord and tenant disputes in Wales?
   The Residential Property Tribunal Wales is responsible for these cases.
5. Are there time limits for making a discrimination complaint?
   Yes, usually you must complain within six months of the discrimination event. Seek advice promptly if you’re unsure.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords in Wales must not target or discriminate against any group covered by the Equality Act 2010.
• If you suspect discrimination, gather evidence and seek advice early.
• Official forms and the Residential Property Tribunal Wales can help you challenge unfair treatment.

Knowing your rights and available support means you don’t have to face discrimination alone.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• UK Government: Discrimination Your Rights
• Equality and Human Rights Commission
• Shelter Cymru (free housing advice in Wales)
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales (official housing tribunal)
• Welsh Government: Housing

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1. Equality Act 2010
2. Housing (Wales) Act 2014

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