One in ten parents who rent their home claim to have been discriminated against during their property search because they have children, new research reveals.

The survey of 1,000 parents by FCC Paragon found that most of the respondents are heavily reliant on the rental market, with 83% claiming that they have rented for at least a decade.

A total of 36% said they have two children, while 29% have one child, 10% have four and 5% have five or more children.

And 11% said they have felt discriminated against for having children during the process of finding a home for their family.

Discriminated against for having children

It is despite only 5% claiming that their children have ever caused damage to a rented property.

It comes amid the Renters’ Rights Bill, which contains measures to eliminate discrimination against parents and families.

This includes the Bill prohibiting any sort of blanket bans on tenants in the private rented sector, based on background or personal circumstances – including families with children and those who receive Government benefits.

While landlords and letting agents will still have the final say on who they do and do not choose to rent their properties to, the RRB will insist that all tenants are judged on an individual basis, rather than being refused on the basis of broad ‘no kids’ or ‘no DSS’ policies.

No-fault evictions

The Bill also aims to offer tenants more security by abolishing Section 21 notices, or so-called no-fault evictions.

Bekki Leaves, of FCC Paragon, said: “Raising a family on the rental market can be challenging.

“Not only do you have to secure an affordable property that is large enough to accommodate all family members, but you’re also going to be in competition with people who don’t have children.

“When given the choice between renting to a family with young kids, or a professional couple without, for example, some landlords are likely going to opt for the latter simply because it’s perceived that they’re less likely to cause damage or disturbance in the property.

“Then, of course, there is the issue of feeling secure in the home. Tenants have long lived with the possibility that a landlord will choose to evict them based on no fault of their own, and this can be particularly difficult and distressing for people with children, especially when you consider the issue of school catchment areas.

“If the proposed Renter’s Rights Bill can contribute towards improving accessibility and security for parents on the rental market, it will be a positive step welcomed by all.”

‍