The Workplace Relations Commission ordered landlord Mark Scallon to pay tenant Yasser Salim €10,000 after finding that refusing his Housing Assistance Payment application was discrimination on the housing assistance ground. The decision was dated 21 February 2023.
Salim said he rented an apartment from Scallon for €1,600 a month and had told the landlord’s agent he received HAP. He said Scallon refused to complete the landlord form needed for the payments and would not deal with HAP recipients. Scallon did not attend either hearing day.
The adjudicator found Salim credible and said the evidence, including messages about refusing HAP recipients, supported his account. The decision found Scallon engaged in prohibited conduct by refusing Salim’s application. HAP is housing support paid to a landlord on behalf of an eligible tenant. Salim said he lost €5,200 in payments, and the adjudicator set compensation at €10,000, taking account of the circumstances and the aim of deterring discrimination.