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Discriminated against because I receive DLA?

Hi, I don’t know if anyone can help but I think I’m being discriminated against because I receive DLA and PIP.
“Have you got a guarantor at all? Just as with receiving disability allowance you would need a guarantor or be able to pay 12 months upfront”
This doesn’t say low income, or poor credit, or anything else, this quite clearly says that it is because I receive disability benefits that I need a guarantor or 12 months upfront.
My husband works and earns a good wage. I’m currently unable to work and receive PIP and NS-ESA, and we receive DLA for my son as well.
We are looking to move and getting stonewalled by letting agents. Not because we are on a low income (our income is actually really good and higher than the U.K. average) but because we receive disability benefits.
We are looking to move and getting stonewalled by letting agents. Not because we are on a low income (our income is actually really good and higher than the U.K. average) but because we receive disability benefits.
This may sound a bit far fetched but as an example a letting agent sent to me earlier today after I asked to put down a holding deposit:
“Have you got a guarantor at all? Just as with receiving disability allowance you would need a guarantor or be able to pay 12 months upfront”
This doesn’t say low income, or poor credit, or anything else, this quite clearly says that it is because I receive disability benefits that I need a guarantor or 12 months upfront.
Any thoughts on this or whether it’s allowed?
If they’d said it was due to income or credit history or something else I’d understand. But receiving DLA shouldn’t even come into it?
Please help!
Our current housing is unsuitable for my needs and overcrowded, we’re in the highest banding for council house but they’ve still said a minimum 3 year wait, which I why we’re looking for private. But as we’re near London we don’t have £20,000+ for 12 months upfront and we don’t know anyone to act as a guarantor.
Our current housing is unsuitable for my needs and overcrowded, we’re in the highest banding for council house but they’ve still said a minimum 3 year wait, which I why we’re looking for private. But as we’re near London we don’t have £20,000+ for 12 months upfront and we don’t know anyone to act as a guarantor.
Replies
Would you be able to apply just using your partners income taken into account ?
I even understand why they ask for a guarantor when someone is on income-related benefits or a low income, but we receive neither.
I haven’t asked them yet, I wanted to see what others thought in case I was missing something obvious or it wasn’t actually discrimination. I’m also scared to rock the boat and upsetting the letting agent and have them find more reason not to rent to us.
I’m not very good with confrontation and don’t know how to handle the situation.
If you read this Shelter Disability Discrimination and Human Rights webpage, you can see how it falls under the umbrella of disability discrimination.
Please let us know how you get on and good luck.
Just to add, for more information and a definitive answer from a housing specialist, I'd recommend contacting Shelter via the options on their 'Get help' webpage.
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Just my opinion.