Be aware that all landlords must check whether a prospective tenant has the right to rent in the UK.  If this is what the agents mean, then if they have found that you do not have any right to rent, they will be committing a criminal offence if they rent the property to you – so cannot be criticised for their action.

See our article on right to rent checks below.

However, if you do have the right to rent in the UK but the agents or landlord are still refusing to rent the property because of your race or ethnicity, then yes, this will be discrimination.

Make a note of what happened, the people involved and their respective positions, whilst noting the dates and times of the event(s).   If you can obtain a decision in writing, even better!  As this will be evidence for you.

You should first complain to the landlord or agency and ask to speak to someone senior.  If this does not get you anywhere, then

• If the problem is with a letting agency, you will be able to complain about them to their Property Redress Scheme.
• If the landlord is a member of an organisation such as the National Residential Landlords Association, they may be able to help – see this page.

If you are dissatisfied with the responses you get, you can contact the Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS) for guidance on how to proceed.  You may also be able to get some help from Shelter.

You are entitled to apply to the County Court for redress. Contacting the EASS will help with information on your next steps.

Note though that there is a time limit of 6 months on any legal action that can be taken, and so it is imperative that you act immediately. Direct discrimination on any ground is wrong!

See our article below for more on discrimination.