Treated fairly: discrimination and renting

We want everyone who rents from us, or asks about one of our homes, to be treated fairly and with respect, and the law backs that up.

The Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act protects you from discrimination, both when you're looking for a home and while you live in it. For renting, it covers:

• disability
• gender reassignment
• pregnancy and maternity
• race, including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origin
• religion or belief
• sex
• sexual orientation

So a landlord mustn't treat you worse because of any of these: not in the terms you're offered, not in deciding whether to let to you, not in how you can use your home and its facilities, and not by trying to evict you. You're also protected from being treated worse because you've complained about discrimination, or helped someone else who has.

If you're disabled, see your rights if you have a disability for the practical help you can ask for.

Children and benefits

Since 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 has made it unlawful for a landlord to turn someone away because a child would live with them or visit them, or because they receive benefits. That covers asking whether a home is available, finding out about it, viewing it and signing up. A tenancy term that bans children, or bans you from claiming benefits, has no effect, apart from in a few narrow cases the Act sets out.

Landlords can still check that the rent will be affordable, based on your income. Local councils can fine a landlord up to £7,000 for breaking these rules.

Our commitment

We follow these rules, and we welcome enquiries from everyone. If you ever feel we've treated you unfairly, please tell us. Our guide on how to raise a concern explains how.

Getting help

• Equality Advisory and Support Service: phone 0808 800 0082 or textphone 0808 800 0084, Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm.
• Citizens Advice can help you work out whether something is discrimination and what to do next.
• Your local council deals with discrimination against families with children or people who receive benefits.

If you're thinking about going to court under the Equality Act, the usual time limit is six months from what happened, so it's worth getting advice early.

Find out more

• Discrimination: your rights (GOV.UK)
• Equality Advisory and Support Service (GOV.UK)
• Discrimination in housing (Citizens Advice)
• Guide to the Renters' Rights Act (GOV.UK)
• Equality Act 2010, section 33 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Renters' Rights Act 2025, section 33 (legislation.gov.uk)