Like most websites, we use cookies.
If this is okay with you, please close this message. 
Like most websites, we use cookies.
If this is okay with you, please close this message. If not, please read more about your options.
If this is okay with you, please close this message. If not, please read more about your options.
Explains what laws protect you from discrimination when you buy, rent, or live in a property (or place), what you can do if you have been discriminated against, and where you can get support and advice.
View this information as a PDF (new window)
'Premises' means buildings and land that goes with them (property) in which people live. This includes flats and houses. It could be the whole of the property or part of it.
You are protected from discrimination when you are:
People who must not discriminate against you include:
The law regarding discrimination and property (premises) does not apply to these kinds of accommodation:
If your landlord takes court proceedings to evict you, then it is important to get advice from a housing solicitor. (See Useful contacts for information on where you can get legal advice.)
Will's landlord is a housing association. Will has not realised that he owes money on his rent because he does not open his post or answer his phone because of his depression.
His landlord takes him to court to evict him from his home. Will gets advice from a housing lawyer under the legal aid scheme. His lawyer argues that it is not reasonable for Will to be evicted because the money he owes can be paid off in instalments and the reason for the arrears is related to Will’s disability. To evict Will in this situation would be discrimination.
This includes services provided by:
This means an act or activity taken by a public authority which is not a service. A public authority carries out a public function when it performs its particular legal duties and powers. Examples of public functions are licensing, planning and enforcement of parking.
Public authorities can get private companies or voluntary organisations to carry out their public functions. So for example, a private company that run prisons and takes prisoners into custody would be considered a private company carrying out a public function.
See our full list of legal terms.This information was published in December 2017. We will revise it in 2019.
References are available on request. If you would like to reproduce any of this information, see our page on permissions and licensing.