An estate agent has been ordered to pay €3,000 to a single mum after the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) found it had discriminated against her when she attempted to rent a private property.
As reported by Gordon Deegan in the Irish Independent, the unnamed woman, who is mum to a toddler, contacted the Dublin-based estate agent to enquire about a two-bedroom apartment advertised for rent in April, 2016.
The woman emailed the letting agent, explaining: “I’m a single mum with one toddler. I’m looking to rent using the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme. Could you let me know if this would be agreeable. Thank you.”
The estate agent replied: “HAP is acceptable but the landlord is looking for a couple here I’m afraid, apologies on this. Kind regards.”
The woman claimed that, because she was a single mother, she had been discriminated against under the Equal Status Act.
While the estate agent denied the claim, the WRC agreed the discrimination had taken place and awarded the woman the equivalent of two months’ rent.
Focus Ireland spokesman Roughan Mac Namara told the Independent: “In the current housing crisis it is crucial that all households, regardless of their make-up, are able to access the private rental market on a level playing field.
“We see that single parents can be particularly vulnerable so it is vital they are able to gain access to secure and affordable accommodation and no unfair barriers are put in the way.”
