Living in rented housing means you have rights under UK equality and housing law if you face discrimination because of a protected characteristic. This guide explains, in plain language, how tenants in Wales can recognise discrimination or harassment, document accessibility problems, and use official processes to seek remedies. It covers what the Equality Act protects, the types of behaviour that may be unlawful, practical steps to report problems to your landlord or local authority, and when to apply to the First-tier Tribunal or use rent repayment orders. Examples show what evidence helps and which official forms and pages to use. Aim: give Welsh tenants clear, usable actions and confidence to protect their housing rights.
What protected characteristics cover
The Equality Act 2010 lists protected characteristics such as age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. These protect you from direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation in many housing situations. If you believe a landlord or agent treats you differently because of one of these characteristics, you can take action under the Equality Act.[1]
How the law protects tenants in Wales
Housing law interacts with equality law: the Equality Act 2010 provides the substantive protection against discrimination, while housing legislation sets out tenancy rules and remedies. For general tenancy rules and possession procedures see primary housing legislation such as the Housing Act 1988 and related provisions.[2]
Common examples of unlawful behaviour
- Refuse to rent, or set different terms, because of a protected characteristic (for example, refusing a disabled applicant).
- Harassment, offensive messages or repeated unwanted contact from the landlord or other tenants linked to a protected characteristic.
- Failure to make reasonable adjustments for disability such as accessible entry, adaptations or suitable facilities.
Practical steps for tenants
- Report repair or accessibility issues to your landlord in writing and ask for a clear timescale for completion.
- Keep a record of dates, photos, messages and receipts as evidence if issues continue.
- Submit a formal complaint or use an official form to notify the landlord or local authority when informal contact does not resolve the problem.
- Act within deadlines when applying to a tribunal or responding to legal notices; late action can limit remedies.
Official forms and when to use them
- Rent Repayment Order application — use if a landlord has committed an offence (for example, illegal eviction or failure to licence where required); this is applied for through the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). See official guidance on how and when to apply. [3]
- Formal written complaint to landlord or managing agent — no fixed national form, but your letter should record dates, what happened, the outcome you want and a reasonable timescale for response.
- Local authority housing enforcement request — use your local council’s online reporting form to ask for an inspection when habitability or illegal practice is suspected; procedures vary by council.
Making a complaint or taking a claim
Start by telling the landlord or letting agent in writing and asking for a remedy. If that fails, ask your local authority to inspect or enforce housing standards and keep copies of every communication. For discrimination or harassment related to a protected characteristic you can seek remedies under the Equality Act and, where relevant, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for orders such as rent repayment or possession disputes. Use the Help and Support links below to find the correct tribunal pages and application guidance.
FAQ
- Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because of a protected characteristic?
- No. Refusing to rent, refusing reasonable adjustments, or imposing worse terms because of a protected characteristic is likely unlawful. Start with a written complaint, keep records and consider tribunal application if the landlord does not resolve the issue.
- What is a reasonable adjustment in housing?
- A reasonable adjustment might include installing a ramp, allowing a live-in carer, or changing communication methods; adjustments depend on individual need, feasibility and whether the landlord can make the change.
- How long do I have to apply for a rent repayment order?
- Time limits vary depending on the offence and the remedy sought; check official guidance and act promptly to preserve your options. Seek the tribunal guidance listed below for current deadlines.
How-To
- Record the incident: date, time, what happened, and collect photos or communications.
- Tell your landlord in writing, request a reasonable adjustment or repair, and set a clear timescale.
- Submit a formal complaint to the landlord or use your local authority reporting form if habitability or licensing issues apply.
- If unresolved, prepare and submit an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or seek a rent repayment order.
- Attend hearings with organised evidence and a clear chronology of events.
Help and Support / Resources
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - Applications and guidance
- Rent Smart Wales - landlord and agent registration and tenant guidance
- Welsh Government - private rented sector guidance for tenants
