A national newspaper investigation has revealed landlords in London advertising rentals for “Muslims or Hindus only”.

The Daily Telegraph found ads on Facebook and Gumtree, and one on an official estate agency website, with a “Muslims preferred” condition taken out.

Listings were also discovered on messaging app Telegram, with stipulations including Punjabi and Gujarati speakers, or potential tenants from Indian states Kerala or Haryana.

A company called Roshan Properties advertised dozens of listings stating “prefer Muslim boy”, “one double room is available for Muslims” and “suitable for Punjabi boy”.

Breach act

The adverts would appear to breach the Equality Act 2010, and Facebook took a page down after being alerted by the Telegraph.

The rentals are being advertised in different parts of London, including Ilford, Newham, Barking, Dagenham, East Ham, Redbridge, Walthamstow, Upton Park, Harrow and Newbury Park.

Some landlords were contacted by the Telegraph directly and did not deny that they were advertising for Muslims only.

Clear policies

A spokesman for Gumtree told The Neg: “Gumtree has clear policies in place that prohibit unlawful discrimination, and we take reports of inappropriate listings very seriously.

The ads referenced appear to relate to private rooms within shared homes…”

“The ads referenced appear to relate to private rooms within shared homes, where existing occupants may express preferences about who they live with. This is different from renting out an entire property, which is subject to stricter rules under the Equality Act.”

Roshan Properties was approached by the Telegraph.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, which comes into force next month, it will be illegal to discriminate against tenants with children or those in receipt of benefits.