Unless there is a statutory exception, direct discrimination cannot be excused or defended. For example, in relation to right to rent checks, direct discrimination would include: rejecting prospective tenants because they do not have British citizenship or another specified citizenship.
Can a landlord refuse to rent to someone with a child UK?
It could be discrimination if you’re refused a viewing or offer of a private rented home just because you have children. Women are more likely to live with children than men are. So restrictions on renting to families with children are likely to be indirect discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
How do I reject a tenant application UK?
We recommend declining applicants in writing (email is best). If you’ve rented the unit to another applicant, you can say: “We’re sorry, but we’ve rented the unit to another applicant.
Can you refuse to rent to someone with a criminal record UK?
In the private sector it is quite common for landlords and letting agencies to ask you to disclose details about your criminal record, and they may refuse to rent to you based on this information.
What landlords Cannot do UK?
Your landlord does not have an automatic right to enter your home just because your tenancy may be ending soon. They cannot just turn up or come in without notice or permission. Some agreements have clauses that say the tenant must allow inspections or viewings towards the end of the tenancy.
Do you have to tell landlord you have children?
Your landlord doesn’t need to know. All that matters is you stick to the terms of the contract – pay rent on time, leave the property in good condition, whatever else it says. I wouldn’t mention it.
Can a landlord evict you for having a baby UK?
The majority of the time, a landlord will not be able to evict you solely on the grounds that you are pregnant or having a baby. However, this will ultimately depend on what is dictated in your tenancy agreement.
Can you refuse to rent to somebody?
It is worth bearing in mind that you do not need to give a reason when deciding not to rent to someone. It is often safest to politely say no without giving a reason as this makes it much harder for anyone to suggest that you were discriminating against them based on a protected characteristic.
On what grounds can you reject a tenant?
There are numerous legitimate, businesslike reasons to reject a prospective tenant’s application.
- Unsatisfactory references from landlords, employers and/or personal references.
- Evictions.
- Frequent moves.
- Bad credit report.
- Too short a time on the job.
- Too new to the area.
- Smokers.
- No verifiable source of income.
What can a landlord refuse to rent to someone?
You can choose not to rent to someone if you believe that they won’t look after your property, if they smoke, if they don’t earn enough, you get a bad previous landlord reference, or even if you just get an uneasy feeling about them.
What background check does landlord do?
Reference and guarantor checks
Landlords will often check references from previous landlords and/or the prospective tenant’s employer. Checking landlord references is a way of finding out whether the person in question has been a good tenant in the past.
Do landlords do DBS checks?
Once they received a licence application, the local authority would have to send a DBS application form to the landlord and their property manager (if any), meet with them to check and verify all their identification documents and then submit the application to DBS.
How do I refuse a prospective tenant?
To deny a tenant application, you need to let the prospective tenant know that you will not be selecting their application by sending them an adverse action letter. This letter informs the tenant why they are being denied, and if there is any way that their application can be reconsidered.
What laws protect tenants in the UK?
As a tenant, you have the right to:
- live in a property that’s safe and in a good state of repair.
- have your deposit returned when the tenancy ends – and in some circumstances have your deposit protected.
- challenge excessively high charges.
- know who your landlord is.
- live in the property undisturbed.
How can I get my landlord in trouble UK?
Make a complaint to a ‘designated person’ (your MP, a local councillor or a tenant panel) if you cannot resolve the problem with your landlord. Contact your council or local authority if you and your landlord still cannot resolve the problem.
What is illegal renting UK?
You could be sent to prison for 5 years or get an unlimited fine for renting property in England to someone who you knew or had ‘reasonable cause to believe’ did not have the right to rent in the UK. This includes if you had any reason to believe that: they did not have leave (permission) to enter or stay in the UK.
How long can a tenant have guest stay UK?
14 days
When does a visitor become a tenant (UK)? Having someone stay in your house is perfectly reasonable (and well within the law and your tenant visitor rights), but in most tenancy agreements there will be a standard clause regarding guests, saying a guest can’t stay more than 14 days in any six-week period.
Can a landlord refuse to rent if you have children?
While it is illegal for a landlord to refuse potential tenants on the grounds that they have children, you should warn any prospective tenants of any child-unfriendly elements of the property which cannot be fixed.
Do I have to tell my landlord if someone moves in with me UK?
If someone is going to be living with you, then you must inform your landlord. If you don’t inform them then you could end up voiding your tenancy or making sections of it invalid. Honesty is the best policy here, and the relationship between you and your landlord is all about trust.
How long does it take to evict a tenant in UK 2022?
Court action by your landlord
Your landlord can start court action as soon as the notice period ends. They have 4 months from the end date on the notice to apply to court. The notice is not valid after that date. The total time for the court process could vary from a few weeks to several months.
Who pays court costs for an eviction UK?
If your landlord starts court action
The costs of an eviction can be at least £500. You may have to pay for the costs of the eviction if the notice is valid. Ask the council for help with the costs if they say you must stay.