What is Discriminatory Eviction?
Discriminatory eviction happens when a landlord tries to evict a tenant because of who they are, rather than for a valid legal reason. This means being forced out of your home due to characteristics such as your race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age. These are known as “protected characteristics” under UK law.
Evicting someone for these reasons is both unfair and illegal. The law recognises that everyone deserves equal treatment, especially when it comes to having a safe and secure place to live. The main law protecting tenants from this kind of discrimination is the Equality Act 2010. This act makes it unlawful for landlords to treat tenants unfairly or differently because of a protected characteristic. For more details on how this law works, see the official Equality Act 2010: guidance – GOV.UK.
If you’re unsure whether your eviction is discriminatory, it’s important to understand your rights and what to look out for. Our guide, Know Your Rights: How to Spot and Challenge Rental Discrimination, can help you recognise the signs and take action if needed.
Recognising Discriminatory Eviction
can sometimes be straightforward, but often the signs are subtle. Common indicators include being treated less favourably than other tenants, receiving eviction threats linked to your race, gender, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics, or having your tenancy ended or not renewed without a clear reason. Discrimination may also appear in indirect ways, such as sudden changes in your landlord’s attitude or stricter rules applied only to you.
It is important to keep detailed records of any interactions with your landlord or letting agent that suggest unfair treatment. Save emails, text messages, and make notes of conversations or incidents. Good documentation can be vital if you need to challenge the eviction or seek advice.
To learn more about spotting and challenging rental discrimination, visit our guide on how to recognise and respond to discrimination as a tenant.
Legal Protections Against Discriminatory Eviction
The Equality Act 2010 is the main law protecting tenants in the UK from being treated unfairly or evicted because of certain personal characteristics. These are known as "protected characteristics" and include things like race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, and age. Landlords must not discriminate against tenants or prospective tenants on these grounds.
As a tenant, you have the right not to be evicted because of who you are. This applies whether you rent from a private landlord or a social housing provider. The law covers all stages of renting, from applying for a property to living in it and ending your tenancy. If you believe your eviction is linked to discrimination, you may be able to challenge it under the Equality Act.
If discrimination is proven, there are several possible outcomes. The eviction process can be stopped, and you may also be entitled to compensation. Landlords found to have acted unlawfully can face legal consequences.
For a wider look at your legal options, see Challenging an Eviction: Legal Overview. If you want to better understand your rights and how to recognise rental discrimination, visit Know Your Rights: How to Spot and Challenge Rental Discrimination. You can also find detailed information on your rights as a private tenant at Private renting: Your rights and responsibilities – GOV.UK, and guidance on protections against retaliatory eviction at Retaliatory Eviction and the Deregulation Act 2015: guidance note – GOV.UK.
Examples of Discriminatory Eviction
Discriminatory eviction can happen in many ways. Common examples include being evicted because of your race, gender, disability, family status, or religion. Some landlords may also treat tenants unfairly if they receive benefits or have a disability.
Recognising these situations is important. Discriminatory eviction is not always obvious and may be hidden behind other reasons. If you think your landlord is treating you differently due to a protected characteristic, you have legal rights.
For a closer look at real-life examples and to understand your rights as a tenant, visit our page on Discriminatory Eviction: Common Examples and Your Rights as a Tenant.
If you want to learn more about how to spot and challenge rental discrimination, see our guide on how to recognise and respond to discrimination in renting.
Steps to Take if You Believe You Are Facing Discriminatory Eviction
If you think you are being evicted because of discrimination, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights. Start by gathering as much evidence as possible. Keep copies of any letters, emails, or messages from your landlord about the eviction. Make notes of any conversations or incidents that suggest discrimination, including dates, times, and what was said or done. This documentation can be vital if you decide to challenge the eviction.
Next, seek advice and support. Organisations like Shelter and Citizens Advice can explain your rights and help you understand if discrimination has taken place. You can also find helpful guidance on how to spot and challenge rental discrimination.
If you want to formally challenge the eviction, you may be able to do so through a tribunal or the courts. There are strict rules your landlord must follow when evicting a tenant. For more on the legal process and your options, visit the Shelter Legal England page on discrimination in housing or check the GOV.UK guide to eviction rules in England.
Taking these steps early can make a big difference. Acting quickly gives you the best chance to protect your home and assert your rights.
Additional Support and Related Issues
If you are facing eviction, it’s important to know there are other related issues and sources of support that may apply to your situation.
Some tenants experience retaliatory eviction, which is when a landlord tries to evict you because you complained about repairs or exercised your legal rights. This is different from discriminatory eviction, but both are unlawful in many cases.
If you need adjustments due to a disability or require accessible housing, you have specific rights. Find out more about disability adjustments and accessible housing support to ensure your needs are met.
For those at risk because of domestic abuse, specialist help is available. Refuge housing offers safe accommodation and guidance for survivors who need to leave their current home quickly.
If you are struggling with rent payments or have fallen into arrears, it’s important to get advice early. Universal Credit support is available to help with debt and rent arrears, and you can learn more about your options if you’re receiving benefits in our guide on landlords and tenants who receive benefits.
In some cases, the council may have a duty to help you find somewhere safe to live. Find out when the council must rehouse you and what steps you can take if you’re at risk of homelessness.
If your case is going to court, understanding eviction hearings in the UK can help you prepare and know what to expect.
Contend’s AI Legal Assistant is here to support you at every step. You can get clear, personalised answers to your legal questions, guidance on the best next steps for your situation, and even help creating tailored letters or documents to protect your rights. If you’re unsure where to start, ask Contend for advice specific to your circumstances.
