London landlords illegally advertise ‘Muslim only’ flat rentals

Suddenly a national newspaper notices a practice that has been common in the windows of East London corner shops for nearly 2 decades. I took photographs and posted them here back in December 2009. So long ago that the article is in the vaults and I can no longer link it. 

From the Telegraph

Landlords are illegally advertising for “Muslim only” tenants across London and the south-east, an investigation by The Telegraph has found.

The listings, posted on Facebook, Gumtree and Telegram, a social media and messaging channel, feature phrases such as “only for Muslims”, “for 2 Muslim boys or 2 Muslim girls” and “Muslims preferred”.

Others include direct appeals to Punjabi and Gujarati speakers or Kerala and Haryana people, while there are also job vacancies on the platforms that are advertised for men only.

On Facebook, a company called Roshan Properties, which also has a TikTok account, had dozens of listings stating “prefer Muslim boy”, “one double room is available for Muslims” and “suitable for Punjabi boy”. . . posts from those seeking to rent on religious lines, including one listing that states: “The house should be alcohol and smoke free.”

Facebook took the page down after being alerted by The Telegraph.

All the advertisements appear to breach the Equality Act 2010, which prohibits discrimination based on religion or belief, race and other protected characteristics.  . . There is a partial exception if a person is renting out a room in their own home and sharing accommodation, such as a kitchen or bathroom, with the tenant.

Telegram, Gumtree and Roshan Properties have been approached for comment.