Landlords need to be extremely careful that they do not discriminate against tenants and/or prospective tenants in respect of the Housing Assistance Payment or HAP. Landlords should be aware that discrimination on “housing assistance grounds” is prohibited under the Equal Status Act 2000 (as amended)
In a recent case before the Workplace Relations Commission, the claimant, an 80 year old man was awarded €12,000 which was at the upper end of the award which could be made, due to the conduct of the landlord in this case.
A full copy of the decision can be found here.
