What law prohibits housing discrimination in Ireland?
Housing discrimination in Ireland is prohibited under the Equal Status Acts 2000 to 2018. These Acts make it unlawful to discriminate against a person in the disposal or letting of accommodation on nine protected grounds: gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, and membership of the Traveller community.
What are the nine grounds of discrimination covered by the Equal Status Acts in Ireland?
The nine grounds are: gender, civil status (including marital status), family status (having a child), sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race (including skin colour, nationality, national origin, and ethnicity), and membership of the Traveller community. Discrimination on any of these grounds when renting or buying accommodation is unlawful.
Is it illegal for a landlord to refuse HAP or housing assistance in Ireland?
Yes. Since 2016 discrimination against prospective tenants on the ground of housing assistance — including the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), Rent Supplement, and other social housing support — is prohibited under the Equal Status Acts. A landlord who refuses to accept HAP can be the subject of a WRC complaint.
Who can I complain to about housing discrimination in Ireland?
You can file a complaint with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) at workplacerelations.ie. The WRC adjudicates equal status complaints free of charge and does not require you to have a solicitor. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) can also provide assistance and in some cases can take cases on your behalf.
What is the time limit for filing a housing discrimination complaint with the WRC in Ireland?
You must file your complaint with the WRC within two years of the date of the discriminatory act. If the discrimination was ongoing, the two-year period runs from the last occurrence. You should act as quickly as possible and gather evidence including communications, property listings, and any correspondence with the landlord or agent.
What compensation can I receive for housing discrimination in Ireland?
A WRC adjudicator can award compensation of up to €15,000 for housing discrimination under the Equal Status Acts. They can also order the respondent to take a specific course of action such as considering your tenancy application. The complaint is free and no legal representation is required.
How can Threshold help me with a housing discrimination complaint in Ireland?
Threshold is an Irish housing charity that provides free advice and advocacy to people experiencing problems in the private rented sector. They can advise you on your rights under the Equal Status Acts, help you gather evidence, and assist you in preparing your WRC complaint. Contact Threshold at threshold.ie or by phone.
What obligations do Approved Housing Bodies have regarding discrimination in Ireland?
Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in Ireland are social housing providers and are bound by the Equal Status Acts in the same way as private landlords. If an AHB discriminates against you in allocating or managing housing you can file a WRC complaint against them on the same grounds and within the same time limits.
Can IHREC take a housing discrimination case on my behalf in Ireland?
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission can provide legal assistance or take cases in its own name where a case raises a matter of public interest or where it is appropriate to support equality. Contact IHREC at ihrec.ie if you believe your case has broader implications or if you need assistance navigating the complaint process.
How does uplaw.ai help with a housing discrimination complaint in Ireland?
Tell us in the chat what happened — what the landlord or agent said or did, which protected ground you believe applies, and when it occurred. We help you identify whether a WRC complaint is the right next step and assist you in preparing the documentation you need.
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