Hi all, we are currently seeking a new home. We are feeling extremely discriminated against for being on PIP/ other benefits and consistently being asked for a guarantor. We also have pets, one is a registered emotional assistance animal, a recent enquiry resulted in me explaining in great detail about my emotional support animal, what she is recognised for and is protected under several acts, also that we cannot provide a guarantor but that our financial situation is unlikely to change in the near future as our income isn’t due for review for several years. We were invited to view yesterday. We went and took our pets as asked and were told to have a think about it. He asked for a contact number which I gave him. I went on to message re next steps in application today to find a message ‘Enquiry was declined by the landlord’ and the listing has now had a rent increase! Any suggestions? Thank you
What are the several acts that you mentioned?
David smith last year says there is no legal obligation for an emotional support animal
I understand there is no medical requirement unlike a guide dog
@Jodie I am sorry you are finding it difficult to find a new home. Sadly, the government have and continue to introduce legislation that makes being a Landlord more risky, more complicated, and less profitable. Therefore, many Landlords are taking less risk, and many view those on benefits and//or with pets as a greater risk, and I believe the statistics back this up.
You have viewed with your pets, but have since been declined. You do not know why, and its unfair to assume this was due to your benefits or your pet. The Landlord may simply have not got the right feel about you. Its like an interview, first impressions count.
Hi Colin, some words extracted from my certificate,
the ESA handler meets the criteria for a hidden disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 and the Mental Health Act 1983, and as a result, the ESA handler is protected by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
I also have an ID and with her photo and my details on
so you are protected but not your dog ? Ps How many pets do you have?
Hi Jodie, may I ask which government/ medical body supplies the certificate you mention?
As Karl says, unfortunately many Landlords are selling up and leaving the rental sector, resulting in fewer available properties for an increasing number of applications.
The government are also seeking an increasing number of private rental property to house various groups of people who are currently in different types of temporary accommodation.
Unfortunately the Landlord in question may have decided another application was a more suitable option.
Keep applying and good luck moving forward.
you can apply online to various organisations and self certify yourself
@Karl11 we took all supporting documents with us, we were asked for our contact details as openrent delete messages! The landlord was quite happy and invited our pets in to run around and had a fuss with them. He also advised he was an independent estate agent himself but in sales. We noticed a for sale sign hidden in a bush in front garden and questioned it, he had the property up for sale last year, that’s why previous tenants moved out though the sale fell through. He is going to put it up for sale again next May. He asked us to have a think and contact him. We have been registered on openrent for 3 years as my previous landlord is an openrent landlord and I’m also tenant verified. The landlord I’ve an issue with only joined 2 months ago! We had the declined enquiry message so now I’m unable to make contact. The property is still available but he’s put the rent up an extra £100 pcm
Incidentally ESAs are not protected. No landlord has to accept them, nor do hotels, restaurants etc.
The fact landlord allowed you to view, presumably when knowing about your full circumstances surely shows no protected characteristic discrimination?
When I meet tenants, sometimes we just arnt a good fit. I need to feel as though sorting issues out won’t be a problem.
Far more landlords require guarantors as standard now as laws have been toughened up. (Even if tenant is working). Also, far more tenants are applying for same property. Your best bet is to forgot about this one and just keep looking. You won’t change their minds.
If they are selling next year then is it really a good option for you anyway?
@Mark10 thank you for your message. It’s a little annoying, why would he go yo all the effort, ask yo exchange telephone numbers so I could email documents, then send a declined message and then amend his listing with a rent increase. Seems a bit dodgy snd unfair, as I say he has only been a member for 2 months, I joined over 3 years ago. Maybe I should just report the listing
I doubt reporting the listing would have any effect. The landlord has declined you, and increased his rental price. Both are allowed.
@Colin3 we are all protected, I can’t see an option to attach my certificate or I would. I have 2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (toy breed)
@Karl11 are you a landlord yourself? You seem quite defensive and not very helpful
I am a Landlord, but you will see from many of by posts, that I offer honest advice, which is in no way always biased the Landlords.
If my opinion is not valued here, I will mute this chat.
@Karl11 I am new on this forum and simply asked for advice, your comments are noted. Thank you
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