Is the problem really his age or his disability??

[anchovies]

We are trying to let a small house or flat for my brother who is 21 and has aspergers syndrome. We have found a house on the same road as my mum which would be perfect but we have just been told that he can't have it due to the fact he is 21. We explained that he would have a 24 hour support worker living with him and that his situation was different to any other 21 year old (plus his mum lives a few doors down!) but they said not only could he not have that one but that we couldn't condsider any other properties they have as they wouldn't be able to find anyone to accept a 21 year old.

Very very cross and upset, is there anything we can do? Or that we can say?

It seems a bit bizarre - it's not like a 21 year old is a child! I guess you'd need to investigate whether they let houses to other 21 years olds? I think there would be a case under the disability discrimination act or else against the age discrimination law that came into effect in October. Is it a housing association house or a private rent? I'd consider getting legal advice, and mentioning the DDA to the people who are letting the house out. Sorry I can't be more help.

Could someone ring up and pretend to be someone else looking for a house for a 21 year old?

I know some landlords do prefer older tenants but given that there's a support worker with your brother I'd be a bit suspicious in this case.

That sounds very strange. Lots of students rent houses/flats when they are only 18. At 21 your brother is surely more than old enough??

That's why I was surprised, I rented houses from 18 onwards at uni and afterwards. Good idea though, I am going to pose as a 21 year old and see how far I get. It's a private let. To be honest I was just annoyed at the estate agents snooty attitude. I would understand older tenants but surely the circumstances should be considered. He is so disappointed I never thought that this would be the reason we couldn't get it. And not to mention the fact we have basically been told not to consider anything else up with this agent (prob the biggest letting agency in the area)

Feel a bit better after a rant though!

The fact that the agent said they wouldn't consider him for any other tenancies speaks volumes - do try doing some mystery shopping. I hope you can get the buggers under the DDA.

Same advice as MrsMuddle really. I am disabled and have been discriminated for it, this makes me so angry.

Anchovies, did you get any further with this?