Rightmove accused of discrimination tolerance by 36k-signed petition

Rightmove is under social fire from an online petition to stop it from advertising properties owned by landlords and agents who refuse to rent to those who receive government assistance. The petition already has more than 36,000 signatures.

The petition has been launched on the website of 38 Degrees – the not-for-profit political-activism organisation – and came after Zoopla clamped down on landlords and letting agents by banning adverts which discriminate against people on housing benefit.

The focus on tenants in receipt of benefits comes after the case of Helena McAleer which was revealed exclusively by Mortgage Solutions. She was being forced to evict a vulnerable tenant or to remortgage elsewhere by lender NatWest.

However, after launching a campaign which gained widespread support, NatWest announced earlier this month that it was overhauling its policy and would now allow landlords to let to tenants in receipt of benefits.

The petition to Rightmove encouraged supporters to put their signatures to the statement: “Don’t allow landlords and letting agents who discriminate against people on housing benefit to advertise their properties on your website.”

High house prices force families into renting

David Innes of 38 Degrees said: “Housing in the UK is in crisis. The shortage of social housing and high house prices mean more and more people are forced to rent privately and rely on housing benefit to pay extortionate rents.”

Read more here

Join us in Miami Beach, June 5-7 for the Global Online Marketplaces Summit.