Government vows Renters’ Rights Act will tackle rental discrimination

The government has claimed the Renters’ Rights Act cracks down on rental discrimination in the private rented sector.

In a parliamentary written answer, housing minister Matthew Pennycook claimed the act addresses overt discriminatory practices.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, it is illegal for landlords and letting agents to discriminate against prospective tenants who receive benefits or have children, with fines of up to £7,000 for those who break the rules.

Bear down on rental discrimination practices

Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi asked: “Whether the government has considered the potential merits of requiring (a) letting agents and (b) landlords to provide a reason to rental housing applicants for applications being unsuccessful to ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and Renters Rights Act”.

Mr Pennycook said: “The Renters’ Rights Act extends existing protections against discrimination in the lettings process under the Equality Act 2010 to those in receipt of benefits or with children.

“The act also provides local authorities with strong investigatory and enforcement powers to bear down on rental discrimination practices in the private rented sector.

“It addresses both overt discriminatory practices, such as ‘No DSS’ adverts, and situations where landlords or letting agents use other indirect practices in order to prevent someone entering into a tenancy.”

He adds: “My Department also encourages good practice across property agents. The Property Ombudsman already has a code of practice for letting agents which is mandatory for its members; and we will publish, later this year, a non-statutory code of practice setting out minimum best practice standards, and consider legislation to ensure compliance.

“Our new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman, once established, will be able to publish guidance and codes of practice for landlords, which will further help to drive up standards across this sector.”

As previously reported by Property118, the government has hinted that the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Ombudsman could take into account previous cases of inadequate conduct by landlords.