Discrimination: Your rights if you are treated unfairly when renting

WHAT DISCRIMINATION MEANS IN RENTING

In the UK, landlords and letting agents must not treat you unfairly because of certain protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. This includes things like:

Race, nationality or ethnic background
Religion or belief
Disability
Sex or gender
Sexual orientation
Pregnancy or maternity
Age (in some situations)

This protection applies whether you are:

Looking for accommodation
Signing a contract
Living in the property
Asking for repairs or support

BEFORE AND AFTER 1 MAY 2026

The Renters’ Rights Act does not replace discrimination law, but it strengthens the overall system by:

Improving enforcement and oversight in the private rented sector
Introducing in due course a landlord database and ombudsman (the database is expected to begin its regional rollout in late 2026 and the Landlord Ombudsman is scheduled to be introduced in 2028) which may make it easier to challenge unfair treatment
Supporting stronger standards and accountability

The Equality Act protections themselves already apply now and will continue after the reforms.

COMMON STUDENT SITUATIONS

Some examples of possible discrimination include:

Being refused a property because you are an international student
“No DSS”, “no benefits”, or blanket refusals that indirectly affect certain groups
Refusing reasonable disability adjustments
Being treated differently because of race, religion, or gender
Being pressured or treated unfairly after raising complaints or asking for support

Sometimes unfair treatment is not obvious. For example, a landlord may give a different reason for refusal. Patterns of behaviour or written evidence can be important.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

If you think discrimination may be happening:

Ask for clarification in writing
For example:
“Can you explain the reason for this decision?”
Sometimes misunderstandings can be resolved quickly.
Keep records
Save emails, adverts, messages, and notes of conversations.
Seek advice early
Durham SU Advice Service, Durham Citizens Advice, or specialist organisations can help you assess whether discrimination may be taking place.
Consider formal routes
Depending on the situation, options may include:
- Internal complaints
- The landlord or agent’s complaints process
- Ombudsman schemes (as these become fully operational under the RRA [the Landlord Ombudsman is expected to be introduced in 2028])
- Legal advice

WHY EARLY COMMUNICATION CAN HELP

Not every situation is deliberate discrimination. Clear, professional communication can sometimes resolve problems quickly. For example, explaining your financial situation, visa status, or support arrangements may reassure a landlord or agent.

However, if concerns remain or you feel uncomfortable, it is important to seek advice and not deal with the situation alone.

(For related issues, see our article on guarantors and our article on disability adjustments.)