Provision of Accommodation
The Equal Opportunity Act 2000 (EOA) prohibits a person from discriminating against another person in the provision of accommodation and for whom accommodation has been provided.
How does the EOA protect a person when accessing accommodation or for whom accommodation has been provided?
Section No. 18 of the EOA provides that a person shall not discriminate against another person:
- in the terms and conditions of the offer of accommodation;
- by refusing an application for accommodation;
- by deferring an application or placing the person lower in order of priority on any application list for accommodation.
The EOA also provides that a person shall not discriminate against another person for whom accommodation has been provided:
- by denying or limiting access to any benefit connected with the accommodation and;
- by eviction or subjecting the person to any harm;
However, the EOA does not offer protection to persons seeking accommodation or where accommodation is provided:
- by a religious body;
- in any hostel or other similar establishment which is provided solely for persons of a particular status;
- shared accommodation where the facilities are used by one sex only for reasons of privacy and or decency;
- where the accommodation comprises not more than three units available for lease;
- where the person providing the accommodation is a relative.
