The claim was that this amounted to unlawful indirect discrimination against disabled people. This is the first time that this matter has gone to a fully contested trial. The Court found in this case that the letting agent’s policy was a blanket policy and did amount to indirect discrimination and the tenant was awarded damages plus indemnity costs. The issue here is having a blanket policy, which was unlawful. Landlords and Letting agents are best advised to consider each applicant on a case by case basis.
If you would like any advice on this or any other Landlord and Tenant issues, please do not hesitate to contact the litigation department on litgation@barwells.com or 01273 582271.