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Housing and accommodation

It is unlawful to discriminate against a person on racial grounds in

connection with the selling, letting or management of premises.

This provision applies to;

housing providers; the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, housing associations, hostels, private landlords, estate agents, property developers, managing agents and owner-occupiers. It also covers employers providing accommodation to employees as well as colleges and universities providing student accommodation which is linked to employment or study.
the mortgage and lending functions provided by financial institutions such as banks, building societies, insurance brokers, and mortgage lenders.

The following forms of accommodation are considered:

Northern Ireland Housing Executive housing and other forms of social housing
Accommodation provided for asylum-seekers and refugees
Traveller specific accommodation

Certain types of property are exempt from the Order. For further information contact the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland Housing Executive and other forms of social housing

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) provides help and advice to its tenants and members of the public on housing matters. Its Tenants´ Charter sets out the standards of service the public can expect from each of their offices. The NIHE core values are ‘Equity, value for money, consultation and participation’ The NIHE has a complaints procedure, details of which are in the leaflet “How to make a complaint” You can obtain a copy of the leaflet from any NIHE office or download a copy from the NIHE website. It is NIHE policy to try and address complaints within 15 working days. Informal meetings can also be arranged through a NIHE information officer in each of the area offices. Contact the housing centre for details.

The NIHE published its first draft Race Relations Policy for consultation in January 2005. The policy includes:

Placing Black and minority ethnic issues at the heart of policy development
Tackling racial harassment and intimidation (see Part 2 of this handbook)
Promoting Black and minority ethnic social inclusion
Encouraging community participation and development
Addressing migrant worker issues

There are a number of other organisations concerned with the provision of social housing. These include Housing Associations and Co-operatives. These organisations may develop and manage their own accommodation. They may also provide specialist or supportive accommodation for older people who require additional or specialist supports.

Further Information

Equality Commission – Public Consultation - Draft code of practice ‘Racial Equality in the Provision of Housing and Accommodation’

Housing Advice Northern Ireland - Housing Advice in Your Language

Housing Advice Northern Ireland - Housing Advice for Migrant Workers

Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations

Housing Rights Service – Advice available in Polish, Lithuanian, Slovakian, Russian, Portuguese

Northern Ireland Housing Executive