Discrimination in housing

What law protects you?

The Equal Status Acts 2000–2018 prohibit discrimination in the provision of accommodation on nine grounds. This applies to landlords, letting agents, and accommodation providers.

Protected grounds

A landlord cannot refuse you accommodation, treat you less favourably, or set different terms because of:

• Gender
• Civil status (single, married, divorced, etc.)
• Family status (having children or being a carer)
• Age (over 18)
• Disability
• Race, colour, nationality, or ethnic origin
• Sexual orientation
• Religious belief
• Membership of the Traveller community
• Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) or other social welfare payments — since 1 January 2016, this is treated as discrimination on the ground of housing assistance

HAP discrimination

Since 2016, a landlord cannot refuse to rent to you or treat you differently because you are in receipt of HAP, Rent Supplement, or other social welfare payments. “No HAP” or “no social welfare” in property listings is illegal.

If a landlord tells you they do not accept HAP or asks you not to apply because of it, this is discrimination.

What can you do?

1. Keep evidence — save texts, emails, screenshots of listings, or notes of phone conversations
2. Contact Threshold on 1800 454 454 for advice on your situation
3. Make a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) under the Equal Status Acts — you must do this within 6 months of the alleged discrimination
4. Contact IHREC (Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission) who can provide legal assistance in certain cases