Reporting Housing Discrimination as a Renter in Wales

If you’re renting a home in Wales and believe you’ve been treated unfairly because of your race, disability, gender, religion, or other protected characteristic, you have the legal right to seek help. Knowing how to report housing discrimination under Welsh tenancy law can help protect your rights and improve your living situation.

Understanding Housing Discrimination in Wales

It’s unlawful for landlords or letting agents in Wales to discriminate against renters based on characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010. This includes discrimination due to:

• Race, nationality, or ethnicity
• Disability or long-term health conditions
• Sex or sexual orientation
• Gender reassignment
• Religion or belief
• Age
• Pregnancy or maternity

Examples include being refused a tenancy, unfair eviction, or being harassed by a landlord because of a protected characteristic.

Action Steps: How to Report Housing Discrimination

If you believe you’ve experienced housing discrimination, you can take the following steps to report it and seek support:

1. Gather Evidence

• Keep detailed records, such as emails, texts, adverts, and notes of conversations.
• Note dates, times, who was present, and exactly what happened.

2. Complain Directly to the Landlord or Letting Agent

• Put your complaint in writing, stating what happened and what you want to change.
• Many disputes are resolved at this early stage.

3. Raise the Issue with Rent Smart Wales

All landlords and agents must be registered and licensed through Rent Smart Wales. They can investigate breaches of Welsh landlord/tenant law, which includes discriminatory practices.

• Form: Rent Smart Wales Complaint Form
• When to use: If you believe your landlord or agent has acted unfairly or illegally, such as refusing to rent because of your ethnicity or disability.
• How to use: Complete the Rent Smart Wales complaints form online or by post.

4. Complain to Your Local Council

• Your local authority’s housing department can investigate if you are being discriminated against or harassed.
• Look for their housing complaints form online or ask for the process by phone or email.

5. Taking Your Case Further: Tribunal Wales (Residential Property Tribunal)

If your complaint cannot be resolved, you can make a claim to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales. This independent body decides legal disputes between tenants and landlords, including cases of discrimination.

• Form: RPT Wales Application Form
• When to use: If you want to formally challenge unlawful discrimination when other avenues have not resolved your issue.
• How to use: Download the application form from the official tribunal website, complete and submit it as directed.

Relevant Legislation for Welsh Renters

• Equality Act 2010 – the main law protecting renters from discrimination
• Housing (Wales) Act 2014 – rules for landlord and agent registration/licensing and housing standards specific to Wales

FAQ: Reporting Housing Discrimination in Wales

1. What types of discrimination are illegal in Welsh housing?
   Landlords and letting agents in Wales cannot discriminate due to race, disability, sex, religion, age, or other characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010.
2. How long do I have to report housing discrimination in Wales?
   You typically have six months from the most recent act of discrimination to start a claim at the tribunal or court.
3. Can I get help if I am being harassed by my landlord?
   Yes. Local councils and Rent Smart Wales can investigate harassment complaints. These complaints can be escalated to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales if not resolved.
4. Is there a cost to apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales?
   No, applications to the tribunal are free for most types of residential tenancy disputes, including discrimination complaints.
5. What evidence do I need to support my discrimination claim?
   Keep emails, letters, texts, notes of conversations, and adverts. Detailed, dated records will support your case.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

• You have strong legal protections in Wales against housing discrimination.
• Start by gathering evidence and complaining directly to landlords or agents, then escalate to Rent Smart Wales or your local authority if needed.
• For unresolved cases, independent support is available from the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

Understanding your options empowers you to defend your rights and seek a fair resolution to any issues of discrimination.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Equality and Human Rights Commission: Housing Discrimination Guidance
• Rent Smart Wales: Report a Landlord or Agent
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales: Make an Application
• Contact your Local Authority Housing Team
• Welsh Government: Housing Help and Advice

---

1. Equality Act 2010 (legislation.gov.uk)
2. Housing (Wales) Act 2014 (legislation.gov.uk)
3. Rent Smart Wales (official government service)
4. Residential Property Tribunal Wales (official tribunal)
5. Find Your Local Authority (gov.wales)

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent, Deposits & Increases Tenancy Types & Agreements Moving In & Out Procedures Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards Eviction Notices & Repossessions Shared Housing, HMOs & Lodgers Discrimination, Harassment & Accessibility Utilities, Bills & Council Tax Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Benefits Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Privacy, Landlord Entry & Surveillance Unusual & Special Tenancy Situations Renters’ Insurance & Liability Homelessness Support & Post-Eviction Help Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Housing Law, Legal Updates & Case Studies Mental Health, Disability & Vulnerable Renters’ Rights Rent Repayment Orders & Compensation