An undercover BBC investigation in Lincolnshire showed letting agents in Boston, Lincolnshire using illegal techniques to stop foreign workers viewing properties. BBC North made the report following complaints from a Polish worker who claimed he was rejected by agents when he was looking for a home to rent.

Peter Bolton King CEO, NFOPP said, “NAEA and ARLA members must comply with our Rules of Conduct. Our Code of Practice for Lettings Agents makes it very clear that any form of discrimination is unacceptable and will not be tolerated: Rule 1e states ‘You must offer equality of professional service to any person, regardless of their race, religious belief, gender, sexuality, disability or nationality. You must not be involved in any plan or arrangement to discriminate against a person or people because of their race, religious belief, gender, sexuality, disability or nationality.’

Racial discrimination is appalling behaviour, which may be illegal. A letting agent simply cannot assist a landlord with refusing a tenant due to racial motivations.”

John Boyle, MD of Lincoln based lettings insurance provider HomeLet, said: “Although the majority of letting agents do abide by the law, this investigation proves there is a minority who flout it and fail to adhere to professional codes of conduct. Unfortunately international tenants often find it difficult to secure a property because they don’t have a UK address history or a UK-based guarantor and landlords are understandably concerned that they may not be able to pay the rent. However, HomeLet agents have access to an international tenant referencing service which when combined with Rent Guarantee insurance mitigates the risks associated with renting a property.”