Government claim landlords still have a choice over who they rent to
3 weeks ago | 5 comments
Government vows Renters’ Rights Act will tackle rental discrimination
12:01 AM, 3rd August 2026, 7 days ago
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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.
Tags:
£7, £7000 fine landlords, Matthew Pennycook, PRS Ombudsman, rental discrimination, Renters’ Rights Act
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Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1554 - Articles: 1
8:32 AM, 8th August 2026, About 2 days ago
Reply to the comment left by Beaver at 04/08/2026 – 15:43
These days you need to see the applicants current rental property as well as references. Personal references are a waste of time as who would give the name of a referee who won’t give a glowing reference.
Many landlords will also give a good reference to get shot of the tenant(s).
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1554 - Articles: 1
8:38 AM, 8th August 2026, About 2 days ago
Reply to the comment left by David at 05/08/2026 – 15:16
You can no longer require the property cleaned to a professional standard or cleaned by professional cleaners.
Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 1650
9:03 AM, 8th August 2026, About 2 days ago
Reply to the comment left by Adamufc1 at 03/08/2026 – 00:29
Local Authorities can levy penalties on a ‘balance of probabilities’ rather than ‘beyond reasonable doubt’. No proof required.
If you have 100 properties in Birmingham and all let to people without children or to one ethnic group only, the balance of probabilities could easily be met. If you have just one rental property, it would be almost impossible to prove wrongdoing.
Member Since May 2018 - Comments: 2346
9:10 AM, 8th August 2026, About 2 days ago
Reply to the comment left by Cider Drinker at 08/08/2026 – 09:03
That is right….unless you had advertised a property for a given price then subsequently offered a discount to the successful tenants and one of your unsuccessful tenants found out and wanted to have a go at you.
The majority of properties are of course held by small portfolio landlords.
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 531
9:39 AM, 8th August 2026, About 1 day ago
Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 08/08/2026 – 08:38
I was told by a number of letting agents you can not demand a property is professional cleaned at the end of a tenancy, but if it was pro cleaned at the start of a tenancy you can demand it is returned in the same standard of cleanliness, therefore to a professional standard, which unless tenants are professional cleaners will not be accepted by the inventory clerk.
Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 1650
9:49 AM, 8th August 2026, About 1 day ago
There are some nationalities that only let property to people from their home country.
There are some religions that only let to people from their own religion.
Will the law apply to them? My money is on ‘No’.
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 531
9:58 AM, 8th August 2026, About 1 day ago
Reply to the comment left by Beaver at 08/08/2026 – 09:10
Do you mean that you can not accept offers from tenants below the advertised rent?
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 531
10:01 AM, 8th August 2026, About 1 day ago
Reply to the comment left by Cider Drinker at 08/08/2026 – 09:49
Yes I know of a landlord who does this, never needs to advertise and has model tenants.
Member Since January 2022 - Comments: 270
10:45 AM, 8th August 2026, About 1 day ago
I became a landlord by default for 2 properties in Cornwall, when my father died and my mum was unable to take on the role.
I changed holiday letting to long term renting, which is what I still have.
Going forwards nobody in my family has any interest in
Taking on the role of landlord.
So I have spoken to some of my tenants (1 of 25 years) and asked if they would consider buying their detached property?
We are working on a process/solution that works for us both, together with Behomed Ltd., over the next 5 years.
Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 1299
11:56 AM, 8th August 2026, About 1 day ago
Reply to the comment left by JeggNegg at 08/08/2026 – 10:45
I hope that solution doesn’t involve rent to buy or paying you in installments.