Housing benefit and tenancy agreements

[tickertyboo]

Hello

I was refused a tenancy agreement with a lettings agent because I was on housing benefit.

Are there any other mothers out there who have had the same problem?

I would be very interested to hear. Many thanks.

[tickertyboo]

I don't need to 'make up' a sex discrimination claim. The statistics are there for everyone to see. I shall do what needs doing.

[IzzyIsBusy]

No.
All your stats show is that more women than men are the rp.
Honestly i think the "fight" you are prepared to have is well worth it but not by using the false heading of sexism.
It isnt. Men on HB and couples on hb are also refused private lets. The reason is they are on HB it has nothing to do with their sex.

[IzzyIsBusy]

Just noticed the EHRC dont think you have evidance to make this claim.

I hope you get the outcome you want and better housing for your family.

[BlurtonOnKites4eva]

Well done tickety boo for perusing this and I wish you luck!

[tickertyboo]

Thank you BlurtonOnKites4eva, your well wishes are greatly appreciated!

[tickertyboo]

I would urge you all to read the House of Commons library briefing paper, number 7008, 8 March 2016, 'Can Private Landlords Refuse to Let to Benefit Claimants?' by Alex Adcock. Reference is explicitly made to indirect sex discrimination.

[swingofthings]

You challenge the right of tenants to pick who they rent their house to, and you'll end up with those deciding to sell as their business will become to risky, which will benefit first time buyers, however, give monopoly to the rest to raise the rent as high as they can, hence making it affordable only to those not in receipt for HB, even if they wouldn't out right say no to them.

[tickertyboo]

I doubt any private landlord with any sense will sell their property if the 'no DSS' rule is made unlawful.

I suspect they will simply be prevented from cherry picking who they want, thereby making the private rentals sector a fair place for everyone to rent in; regardless of where the tenant's income comes from.