The Workplace Relations Commission found that Maura Keegan discriminated against Magdalena Urban by refusing to accept Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) towards rent, and awarded Urban €12,000 compensation. The decision was dated 20 October 2023.
Urban said Keegan first told her that the company owning the apartment would not accept HAP, then cited a gas issue and blocked her on Messenger. Urban and her child had to use emergency accommodation, and she was unable to take up a nearby school place for her child.
Keegan did not attend the hearing, but the adjudicator was satisfied she had notice. The adjudicator relied on Urban’s uncontested evidence, was not persuaded by the gas explanation and found discrimination on the housing-assistance ground. HAP is a housing payment that can help eligible tenants meet rent.