The Workplace Relations Commission found that 1st Class Letting & Property Management LTD. discriminated against Karen Duffy because she received Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), and awarded her €1,800 compensation. The decision was dated 13 June 2023.
The case concerned two complaints under the Equal Status Act. Duffy said she was offered a studio rental and told where to pay a deposit, but after she disclosed that she received HAP, the agency said the owner lived abroad and could not provide the required paperwork. Discussions then stopped.
The agency denied discrimination. Its director said the final selection had not been made and another person was chosen. The adjudication officer found that the abrupt end to discussions after Duffy disclosed HAP supported an inference of discrimination, which the agency did not rebut. The housing assistance ground protects people who have applied for and are eligible to receive specified housing payments.
The WRC upheld complaint CA-00052291-001 and awarded €1,800 for the effects of the conduct. A second complaint, CA-00051692-001, failed because it was repetitive and had already been dealt with.