Disability Discrimination by Landlord

Nicola8029

Hi, I was wondering if someone can help me?.... 
I have been in a privately rented flat for 6 years now and with the same landlord (who is horrid). Due to a build up of arrears during Covid (he agreed for me to pay half the rent at that point), he applied for a repossession of the flat. I was able to evidence then that he was being unreasonable, as I have never missed any amount of a payment and have always kept him in the loop and he is aware that I have lost multiple jobs due to having chronic disabilities and mental health issues. As a result of this I ended up attempting to end my life and even the paramedics report was submitted to the court. My father had also passed away and then my mother had a stroke. 
My local HOST agreed to clear the arrears in full and this was the only reason the landlord agreed to renew my tenancy. HOST did not pay. I was initially paying £850 per month & another £100 to the arrears, then the landlord upped my rent to £1080 per month & despite me paying every month, has now applied for re-possession again. 
I have made it very clear that if I am homeless, I will not be able to start my new job next month, which would then mean I could not pay him any rent (despite that I have paid on average £1000 a month from my UC) etc etc. I feel that this is direct discrimination as he is making me suffer for having disabilities that directly impact the kind of work I can do, where I can get to as I do not drive and have to walk and the amount of money I can earn? Am I right? 
I have all relevant agencies involved and have informed HOST that this is down to their lack of promised payment, that I am in this situation and will not be able to move because said landlord would not give me a good reference and my Dad was my guarantor and he is no longer here.
PLEASE HELP!!!! as I am in the process of collating all the evidence to submit to the court.

Albus_Scope

Hi there @Nicola8029 and welcome to the community.

I'm afraid I don't have the answers for you, but I just wanted to let you know I've moved your post into a different category, so more people in the know will hopefully be able to offer some support here. I hope that's ok?

WhatThe

Have you contacted Shelter for their excellent free legal advice?

poppy123456

It doesn't sound like discrimination to me. If you don't pay your rent then yes your LL can start the process to evict you and this can apply to anyone that's in arrears. To start this process they would need to issue you with a section 8. What they can't do is evict you their self. Only a court can do this
https://www.gov.uk/private-renting/rent-arrears#:~:text=Your%20landlord%20can%20evict%20you,you%20could%20lose%20your%20home.

You should contact shelter as advised by whatThe above.https://www.shelter.org.uk/

Agnia

Hi Nicola, im really very sorry that your father passed away and your mother had a stroke and im sorry about the situation your are in and i really understand ( i also rent privately)  that’s very important to get a good references from the landlord to be able to move 

MW123

@Nicola8029 I am truly sorry to hear about your situation. To navigate the repossession process, it is important to compile all communications with your landlord, evidence of payments towards arrears, and documentation supporting your disabilities. Construct a clear timeline of events, ensuring you have all the necessary documents and arguments for presentation in court. 

Additionally, consider seeking guidance from Shelter. Going to court can be worrying however do remember that individuals who choose to represent themselves in County Court often experience a sympathetic and understanding approach from the court. Goodluck with your new job next month and remember to take care of yourself.

Nicola8029

Hi thanks all. Luckily I always keep evidence of every interaction & communication from the past 6 years. I have stacks of evidence against the landlord, especially with him having been convicted of fraud. 

I have contacted all agencies for support, did that a while ago. 

Also having worked within law, have a lot of knowledge & know about the processes. I was just checking others viewpoints