I'm a Roma family and we were refused an apartment viewing. Is this discrimination?

What the Law Says

EU law prohibits discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin in housing, including access to viewings and rental decisions.

The EU Racial Equality Directive (2000/43/EC) bans direct and indirect discrimination on grounds of racial or ethnic origin in access to housing — including the right to view apartments before renting.

It applies to all EU Member States, which must transpose it into national law and ensure effective remedies for victims.

Direct discrimination occurs when someone is treated less favourably than another person in a comparable situation, solely because of their racial or ethnic origin — such as refusing a viewing to a Roma family while offering it to non-Roma applicants.

Statutory Text

the principle of equal treatment shall mean that there shall be no direct or indirect discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin

— Council Directive 2000/43/EC, Art. 2(2)(a) — Principle of equal treatment

Statutory Text

equal treatment shall be ensured in the conditions for access to housing, including private housing

— Council Directive 2000/43/EC, Art. 3(1)(h) — Scope of application

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