The WRC upheld Megan Smyth’s complaint that Anne Marie Vaughan discriminated against her in renting a property because she received Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), and ordered €750 compensation. Adjudication Officer Pat Brady dated the decision 25 June 2019.
Smyth said Vaughan told her she was looking for professionals not on HAP and hoped to rent to a couple after Smyth disclosed her HAP income and offered an extra €100 a month. Vaughan said she wanted the security of income from two tenants and did not know HAP recipients were protected.
The WRC found Vaughan’s statement about the viewing indicated Smyth would not be acceptable as a tenant and breached Equal Status protections.