The provision of rented accommodation is considered a service under the Equal Status Acts which prohibit discrimination, directly or indirectly, on nine grounds.

• Gender
• Marital status
• Family status
• Sexual orientation
• Religion
• Age
• Race
• Membership of the Traveller community
• Disability

Also, a person cannot be discrimitated against or victimised by association.

NB: Refusal to accept Rent Supplement is not considered discrimination under the Acts

Where the accommodation is being offered in a person's own home, that is you are sharing with the home owner, a licence agreement exists and the Act does not apply.

What to do

If you feel you have been discriminated against by an accommodation provider and none of the exemptions apply you should contact the Equality Authority www.equality.ie If necessary a Threshold Advisor will help with this process.