What To Do If You’re Harassed Due to Disability in Wales

If you're a renter in Wales facing harassment because of your disability, it's important to know that you are protected by strong anti-discrimination laws and tenant rights under Welsh legislation. Whether the behaviour is from your landlord, letting agents, or other tenants, there are clear steps you can take to get support and make it stop. This guide explains your legal rights, what counts as harassment, and practical action you can take if you experience discrimination or mistreatment related to your disability in a rented home in Wales.

What Counts as Disability Harassment for Renters?

Disability harassment in housing means unwanted behaviour targeting you because of your disability that makes you feel humiliated, intimidated, or unsafe in your home. Examples might include:

• Threatening, abusive, or offensive language about your disability
• Refusing to carry out necessary repairs or adjustments linked to a disability
• Unwanted intrusion or monitoring related to your impairment
• Writing or saying discriminatory things about your disability to others
• Trying to force you out because of your impairment or mental health challenges

In Wales, these actions are unlawful under the Equality Act 2010, which makes it illegal for landlords and agents to harass tenants due to disability.^[1] Landlords must also follow the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which provides safety and anti-harassment standards for all renters.^[2]

Your Legal Protections in Wales

As a tenant in Wales, you are protected by the following laws:

• Equality Act 2010 – Covers all forms of disability discrimination and harassment in housing and services.
• Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – Gives you the right to security of tenure and protects you from unfair eviction and harassment.

Landlords and agents must not:

• Deny you housing, or treat you unfairly, because of disability
• Harass or victimise you for asking for reasonable adjustments (such as installing a ramp or adapting the property)
• Fail to respond to your reports of harassment by others, such as neighbours, if they have the power to act

What Is a "Reasonable Adjustment"?

A reasonable adjustment is a change or adaption to your home or its policies to reduce the disadvantage you may face because of your disability. Examples include:

• Allowing you to make minor changes, like fitting a grab rail
• Changing the way your landlord communicates (for example, using email instead of letters)
• Negotiating rent payment dates if your disability affects your income cycle

Practical Steps If You Face Disability Discrimination or Harassment

You do not have to face harassment alone. There are clear steps you can take if you are being targeted because of your disability:

• Keep a record: Write down what happened, when, where, and who was involved. Save any letters, texts, or emails.
• Raise the issue formally: Contact your landlord or letting agent in writing, explaining what has happened and how it has affected you. Ask them to stop the harassment or to act if it’s from neighbours.
• Seek advice: Contact organisations like Shelter Cymru or your local council’s housing team for free support.
• Make a formal complaint: If your landlord or agent does not resolve the issue, use their official complaints process.
• Apply to the Residential Property Tribunal (Wales): If the problem continues or your landlord takes retaliatory action, you may be able to apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for a legal remedy.
• Report a hate crime: Disability harassment can also be a hate crime. Inform the police on 101 or report online at the South Wales Police Hate Crime page.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

You might need to use official forms if your case isn't resolved through informal complaint. The most relevant are:

• Residential Property Tribunal Wales Application Form (see all forms):
  • When to use: Apply if you want to challenge your landlord’s behaviour, protection from eviction, or claim for unlawful discrimination under housing law.
  • How to use: Choose the right form for your type of dispute (e.g. "Application relating to a contract-holder's rights"). Complete with details of your situation, attach evidence, and submit by post or email. See detailed guides on the RPT Wales guidance page.
• Complaint Form for Local Authority or Registered Social Landlord (if your landlord is a council or housing association):
  • When to use: If you live in social housing, use your landlord’s official complaint form – usually found on their website or at their office.
  • How to use: Complete the form explaining the harassment and the action you would like, provide evidence, and keep a copy.

Making a Discrimination Claim

If the problem is serious or unresolved, you may have a legal claim for discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. Claims are usually made in the County Court. Get advice before starting a claim. See the UK Government’s official guidance on disability discrimination for tenants.

FAQ: Disability Harassment and Your Rights as a Tenant in Wales

1. What should I do first if I am harassed because of my disability by my landlord?
   Start by keeping a detailed record of the harassment, contact your landlord or agent in writing asking for the harassment to stop, and seek advice from a service like Shelter Cymru.
2. Is my landlord allowed to evict me for complaining about disability-related harassment?
   No. Evicting or threatening to evict you for making a complaint about discrimination is unlawful victimisation under the Equality Act 2010 and the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
3. Can I make changes to my rental property for my disability?
   Yes. Landlords must not unreasonably refuse reasonable adjustments. Always put your request in writing for clarity.
4. What official body deals with housing disputes in Wales?
   The Residential Property Tribunal Wales handles most rental housing disputes.
5. I feel unsafe due to harassment – who can I contact urgently?
   Call the police on 999 if you're in immediate danger or 101 if the risk is not urgent; you can also report disability hate crime to your local police authority.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters with Disabilities in Wales

• Harassment because of disability is unlawful in Wales, with protections under the Equality Act 2010 and the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
• If you face harassment, record what happens, report it to your landlord, and seek advice from housing support services.
• You can use official forms to escalate your case, and the Residential Property Tribunal Wales is there to help resolve housing disputes.

By knowing your rights and the steps to take, you can protect your wellbeing and keep your home safe.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• UK Government Guide to Disability Discrimination – Know your rights
• Shelter Cymru Advice Service – Free confidential help for renters in Wales
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – Tribunal for housing disputes
• Citizens Advice Wales – Discrimination in Housing
• Your local council’s housing options team or equality officer

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1. Equality Act 2010
2. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
3. Residential Property Tribunal Wales

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