Everday Discrimination

THE DISCRIMINATION WE FACE EVERY DAY

I would like some place bigger to live. I have ASD and dyspraxia and for that reason alone, life is difficult in one room and a bathroom.

Now it isn't really asking for the earth to think that a private landlord, when you are honest enough to disclose, tell them your true situation,
maybe to understand, empathise and help you with renting out what's available.

The housing situation if you are on long-term benefits is not good. The letting agents only want employed persons and the very few that will
take housing benefit applicants will require a guarantor, because of their credit reference check protocol.

What I think makes my situation worse is that my rent is paid directly to any landlord by the council, a discretionary situation and one
which ought to show a landlord that it is guaranteed income for them; I could not default on rent, I never see it.

Here is a sadly all too familiar exchange when I approach a private landlord, enquiring about a small flat to rent; these are copies from emails.

After my first enquiry...

JONATHAN: Apologies for the delay. The property is on Purbeck Road. If you would like to view let me know.

ME: Yes I would please, thank you, town centre is fine.

JONATHAN: Great. When would you like to view? I can do pretty much anytime from tomorrow onwards.

ME: Hello Jonathan. I would like to view tomorrow PM. My rent would be paid directly to you each month (discretion Bournemouth council).
I do work in a shop but part-time. I have very good references. I am single, no children or pets and do not smoke. I have some minor disabilites and have support workers.
I also have funds to pay any deposit and rent in advance to you. I need to move because the studio flat I have is too small for my needs.
If this is acceptable and you are able to show me around the property then please reply.

There is no reply for over a day. I have been through this kind of situation so many times before. Firstly they don't want you because you are not working but worse
still is that they waste time by not stating that in the adverts so when I am honest to give as much details as are appropriate really, you get this typical reaction and behaviour.
It stands out like a sore thumb and I really will call them out on my suspicions; it's their reactions that give themselves away, like this one pretends to have conveniently
missed my email and surprise surprise, accomodation is no longer available.

ME: As expected. My money is as good as anyone's. But mention disability and people don't want to know. Carry on discriminating.

JONATHAN: I'm not sure how but I did not see your last message. There have been so many coming through and work has been increasingly stressful that the flat has been somewhat in the back burner.
I have absolutely no problems with disability, however the insurance company I use for the buildings insurance specifies no benefits absolutely.
However I do have a number of tenants on disability benefits. As if missed your message it is now the case that both flats have been let.
My sincere apologies and I wish you the best going forward.

ME: Sure you do. You couldn't make it up. Except you just did.

Of course. I expect my email got lost in the post. See how he has weaved his way around it, imagining probably that I will not be able to see through it. And watch how his sincerity dissolves in a matter of seconds.

JONATHAN: Wow. Thank god I didn't have to take someone like yourself on as a tenant! Enjoy your hate filled life.

Hate-filled life, er I can't think of anyone I hate but what I dislike intensely are false people and those who are motivated only by money and greed. vis a vis many private landlords. My parting shot was...

ME: And how fortunate to avoid a deceitful and dishonest landlord. There are so many of you out there.