London: letting agents turn away black tenants

sign from 1960s London

Campaigners have expressed shock at the news this morning that some letting agencies in London, are discriminating against prospective tenants on the grounds of race. Under the Equality Act 2010, it is illegal for businesses to refuse to provide a service based on ethnicity. But a BBC undercover investigation by Guy Lynn and Ed Davey has found that a number of firms are prepared to bend the rules. Ten companies told a reporter posing as a landlord they would not let to African-Caribbean people at his request. A black researcher was simply denied viewings, yet his white counterpart was welcomed. All the conversations were recorded on a secret camera.

They include the lettings manager at A to Z Property Services, in Dollis Hill, saying: "We cannot be shown discriminating against a community. But obviously we've got our ways around that." … "99% of my landlords don't want Afro-Caribbeans or any troublesome people."

The lettings manager at National Estate Agents, Willesden, said: "When someone [African-Caribbean] comes in, we won't advise them of this property.

"Even if it does get [asked about] we make up an excuse, to be honest with you."

When a black researcher asked to view the property, the National agent told him: "I'm sorry, that one's gone."

Comments included: "We can tell from speaking to them on the phone what their colour is." ... "We're in this age where people want to be politically correct, but without being racist, it happens."

During its investigation the BBC also spoke with letting agents who condemned the practices exposed. Nicola Humphries, of Maida Vale Properties, said: "I'm appalled by the behaviour of some agents in the industry. "There are some agents who will say anything and do anything to close a deal.

"We need to change the culture - but like any sales business it's a cut throat world and maintaining integrity is not easy."

Alison Gelder, director of Housing Justice told ICN: "This is deplorable and shocking. It adds to the list of bad practices by letting agencies. Housing Justice would like to see these agencies much better regulated.

Louise Zanre from Jesuit Refugee Services said: "It is appalling that such discrimination continues today." She continued: "Unfortunately its likely to get worse should the new Immigration Bill pass through Parliament unchanged. The Bill insists that landlords conduct immigration checks on prospective tenants. It is likely that many landlords will just choose not to rent properties to people that are not obviously British. Those from ethnic minorities will suffer the most. The Bill will perpetuate discrimination and can only lead to more inequality in British society."

Sarah Teather, Lib Dem MP for Brent Central, commented this morning on Facebook: "So, even before the immigration bill makes landlords check immigration status, black people already find it harder in my constituency and elsewhere in London to rent property. Do we really think that putting extra hoops in the way of people renting property isn't going to result in lots of law abiding BME families finding it difficult to get housed?"

To read the full BBC article see: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-24372509