I recently received an application from a disabled person who was not employed, so all their income came from benefits. They applied with a guarantor available with an income of £60k. The applicant’s monthly income was about 20% below the income level to pass the affordability test in the referencing process. I pointed out that they would not pass the affordability test in the reference process. They replied that for them I needed to make 'reasonable adjustments ’ in line with the Equality Act 2010, and allow their application because they had a guarantor.
Is it correct in this situation that a disabled person with income below the affordability level should be allowed to apply if they have a guarantor, and this ‘reasonable adjustment’ is required by the landlord?
no, you are not discriminating on the basis of a protected characteristic but simply on the financial basis of affordability. The guarantor’s financial status is moot because guarantors are not there to pay the rent in normal situations but in exceptional ones when a T who can afford the rent falls on unexpected hard times.
Having told them that they do not meet the affordability criteria, I would not engage further in communication with them.
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Reasonable adjustments does not apply to the money side of it. It applies to adapting buildings or workplaces. Do not be rail roaded. Cease the contact
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