Discrimination as a barrier to suitable housing

A client may be having difficulty trying to get suitable alternative housing because of their personal circumstances.

When discussing a client's situation, ask what is making it difficult for them to get alternative housing. The client may identify one or more of the following personal circumstances they consider to be a barrier to them getting alternative housing (clients may have other examples):

• personal appearance: e.g. facial tattoos.
• language barriers e.g. English is not the clients first language, they speak limited English is the reason, or have other communication difficulties
• employment or social factors: e.g. the nature or hours of their employment may be seen as 'anti-social' or the number of vehicles the household owns may deter a property owner
• religion, culture, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation
• young age: a client says their age is the reason they are unable to get a rental and thinks owners landlords may consider young people may not be responsible tenants
• physical or mental health and/or a disability: a client is having difficulty getting suitable accommodation due to a physical or mental disability, e.g. they need modifications to a property or there is a perception of risk associated with mental health issues
• family size: e.g. number of children or 2 households looking to live together
• credit history: a client says they have a poor or limited credit history (this may include unpaid rent in the past)
• tenancy history: a client says they have a lack of references, limited tenancy history or have been through the Tenancy Tribunal or Court
• criminal record: of the client or their partner

You should consider whether any of the barriers can be addressed or reduced.

Examples of this may include (but are not limited to):

• is the client able to get a character reference from an employer or other suitable member of the community?
• budget advice to remedy or demonstrate their ability to pay rent
• rent paid by a redirection of their benefit payment

Some of the barriers faced by clients may be addressed or reduced by providing support or more information.

You should discuss with the client the relevant housing options.