Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property118. Read the original article for full details.

Government Says Renters' Rights Act Cracks Down on Rental Discrimination

The government has claimed that the Renters' Rights Act addresses overt discriminatory practices used by landlords and letting agents. The statement came in a written parliamentary answer from housing minister Matthew Pennycook.

Minister's position

According to the report, Pennycook said the act gives councils strong enforcement powers to tackle rental discrimination. The government's position, as set out in the parliamentary answer, is that the legislation targets discriminatory practices in the rental sector.

What the act makes illegal

Under the Renters' Rights Act, it is illegal for landlords and letting agents to discriminate against prospective tenants, according to the report. The excerpt does not specify which forms of discrimination are covered or detail the penalties involved, so agents should refer to the original article and official guidance for full details.

What this means for agents

For letting agents and inventory clerks, the report's message is that the government considers the act a tool for councils to enforce against rental discrimination, and that discrimination against prospective tenants by landlords and letting agents is now illegal under the legislation. Agents may wish to review their tenant-selection and marketing practices in light of the enforcement powers described.