Government to ban discrimination against rent supplement tenants

The Government today (Thursday) said it would be moving to ensure tenants cannot be discriminated against because they are receiving rent supplement.

Minister of State Aodhán Ó Ríordáin announced that the Government would prohibit discrimination in relation to a tenant or prospective tenant on the basis that the person is or is not in receipt of a housing assistance payment or rent supplement.

In addition, he said there would be a ban on discrimination on the basis of whether or not a person was receiving social welfare. 

“It is a common practice for advertisements in relation to rental accommodation to say that rent supplement is not accepted,' said the Minister.

'This practice has a harmful effect on persons seeking to rent accommodation and the Government has therefore decided to prohibit such discrimination.'

He said the necessary amendments to equality legislation would be made through a Private Members’ Bill, the Employment Equality (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, which is currently before the Seanad.

'It is expected that the amendments will be published in the current parliamentary term and the Bill enacted shortly,” said Minister of State Ó Ríordáin.