Rental Discrimination

Goal

1.  The Renter’s Rights Bill 2024 aims to ensure fair access to housing in England, Wales, and Scotland, focusing on the private rental sector ensuring that families with children and those receiving benefits have equal opportunities to access housing across these regions.

Scope and Application

2.  The Bill targets landlords and letting agents, covering all assured tenancies except those linked to social housing or “supported accommodation”.

3. In other words, these specific provisions are disapplied for social housing and supported accommodation. 

Supported Accommodation

4.  In the Renters’ Rights Bill for the purposes of these provisions “supported accommodation” first of all means a dwelling-house let by:1Para. 24 of Schedule 1 inserting new para. 12(1) into Part 4 of Schedule 2 to the 1988 Housing Act

  1. a housing association;
  2. a private registered provider of social housing;
  3. a registered charity; or
  4. a voluntary organisation.

5.  The dwelling-house is let to a tenant who receives care, support, or supervision provided either:

  1. by the landlord, or a person acting on behalf of the landlord; or
  2. by someone else, if the tenant has been admitted into the accommodation in order to meet a need for care, support, or supervision.

Prohibited Discrimination

6.  The Bill makes it illegal for landlords and agents to discriminate against tenants with children2Clause 32 or those receiving benefits.3Clause 33

Types of Discrimination

7.  This includes overt discrimination, such as using “No DSS” adverts, as well as more subtle forms like requiring higher deposits or demanding more rent in advance from these groups.4Clause 33

Protections for Children

8.  A special focus is placed on protecting families with children. The legislation prohibits any restrictions on renting to families, ensuring that children under 18 are protected, whether they live in or visit the property.5Clause 32

Foster Care Arrangements

9.  This includes protections for foster arrangements as well, ensuring that foster children are not excluded from rental opportunities.

Enforcement

England

10.  The enforcement of this Bill varies by region. In England, violations are considered civil offenses, with fines up to £7,000.

Wales and Scotland

11.  In Wales and Scotland, such offenses can lead to criminal sanctions, emphasizing the seriousness of rental discrimination in these areas.

Notes   [ + ]

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