The Workplace Relations Commission found landlord Vincent Smith discriminated against tenant David Colledge by obstructing his Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) application. Smith was ordered to pay Colledge €7,500 and take the steps needed to process the application while the tenancy remained in force.
Colledge said Smith repeatedly refused to sign HAP forms, including a request made on 17 June 2023, leaving his rent support frozen and causing financial difficulty. Smith said he did not want to extend the lease because he might need the property for his own use, and argued the complaint was out of time.
The adjudicator found the June 2023 refusal fell within the time limit and was part of a continuing pattern of obstruction. The decision, dated 30 July 2024, said Smith had not rebutted the discrimination case.