Tenant Rights: How to Tackle Discrimination in Wales

If you're renting a home in Wales, it's important to know that the law protects you from unfair treatment. Discrimination by landlords or letting agents—for example, refusing to rent due to your race, disability, religion, sex, or other protected characteristics—is illegal. Understanding your rights and knowing how to respond can help ensure you are treated fairly and confidently assert your protections under the law.

What Counts as Tenant Discrimination in Wales?

Discrimination is unlawful when a landlord treats you unfairly because of a “protected characteristic” that’s listed in the Equality Act 2010. These characteristics include:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

Common examples of discrimination might include:

• Refusing to let a property based on your ethnicity or nationality
• Charging higher rent due to your sex or because you’ll have children
• Not making reasonable adjustments for a renter with a disability
• Evicting or harassing you because of your religion

Your Rights Under Welsh Tenancy Law

In Wales, the main legal framework for residential renting is the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.^[1] This law bans landlords from treating tenants unfairly and upholds standards for fair treatment. It also requires that reasonable adjustments are made for disabled renters under the Equality Act 2010.^[2]

Important Definitions

• Protected characteristics: The qualities protected by law (see list above).
• Reasonable adjustments: Changes a landlord should make to the property or tenancy process so a disabled person is not disadvantaged. For example, allowing guide dogs or changing a tenancy agreement’s rules about signage for deaf tenants.

What Landlords Cannot Do

• Reject your application merely because you are in receipt of benefits (government guidance).
• Impose higher deposits or extra restrictions only to a group with a protected characteristic.
• Harass or victimise you for asserting your rights to fair treatment.

How to Report Discrimination: Forms and Processes

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, several steps and forms are available to help you take action. Here's what to do:

Step 1: Write to Your Landlord or Agent

• Keep records of your communications and any evidence of discrimination.
• Clearly state your concerns and request a response, giving reasonable time for reply.

Step 2: Make a Formal Complaint

• If you rent through a letting agent, use their official complaint process — details must be shared by the agent by law.
• Letting agents in Wales must belong to a redress scheme where you can escalate unresolved complaints.

Step 3: Apply to the Adjudicator or Tribunal

For serious cases, complaints about tenancy discrimination or harassment can be handled by the Residential Property Tribunal Wales. This tribunal covers housing disputes, including discrimination and unfair eviction.^[3]

• Form: Notice of Application to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales (official forms here)
  Example: If your landlord refuses reasonable adjustments for your disability, you can apply to the tribunal using this form. Complete all sections, attach evidence, and send it as instructed on the form page.

If You Need Reasonable Adjustments

• Form: Request for Reasonable Adjustment (no set form; put your request in writing)
  Example: If you require grab rails installed due to limited mobility, write to your landlord with details and any supporting documents from your doctor or social worker.

Taking Further Action

If your complaint is not resolved or you experience retaliation, you may be able to seek compensation or an injunction in County Court proceedings. In some cases, you may contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission for further advice.

FAQ: Tenant Discrimination in Wales

1. What should I do first if I experience discrimination from my landlord in Wales? Contact your landlord or letting agent in writing to outline your concerns and request a response. Keep detailed records of all communications and evidence.
2. Which official tribunal handles discrimination complaints for tenants in Wales? The Residential Property Tribunal Wales handles housing-related discrimination cases in Wales.
3. Is it discrimination if a landlord refuses to rent to me because I claim Universal Credit? Blanket bans against tenants on benefits (like Universal Credit) can be unlawful indirect discrimination. You may use the letting agent's complaint process or approach the tribunal if unresolved.
4. Do I have to use a specific form to request a disability adjustment from my landlord? No set form is required—write a clear letter explaining your needs and provide supporting documents as relevant.
5. Where can I get official forms to bring a housing discrimination case in Wales? Official tribunal forms are available from the Residential Property Tribunal Wales forms page.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• Laws in Wales, especially the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and the Equality Act 2010, protect tenants against discrimination.
• Always keep records and act promptly if you experience unfair treatment.
• Support and proper complaint procedures are available through letting agents, redress schemes, and the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

Understanding your rights means you can be proactive if you ever face discrimination or unfair treatment in your Welsh rental home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Residential Property Tribunal Wales: Submit applications and resolve tenancy disputes.
• GOV.UK Private Renting: Your rights and guidance on private tenants’ matters in Wales.
• Equality and Human Rights Commission: Support and resources on discrimination issues.
• Shelter Cymru: Free confidential advice on housing and discrimination for Welsh renters.

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – the main legislation for renting homes in Wales.
2. Equality Act 2010 – anti-discrimination law across the UK.
3. Residential Property Tribunal Wales – the tribunal for housing disputes in Wales.

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