Sir, – Today, I came across a new type of discrimination in Ireland. As a landlord, I was refused insurance on the contents of a property that I have let, because my tenant is “not in full-time employment or a stay-at-home parent looking after a child”.
…I replied that this was terrible discrimination against the unemployed, part-time workers, disabled people, pensioners and students and that it would lead to landlords refusing to let to these people and increase homelessness etc. I was told [by the insurance agent]: “We are regulated by the Central Bank”.
I could understand if I had been told that the policy excess would be greater, but to refuse contents insurance on these grounds surely contravenes the Status Equality Act of 2000 and also contravenes the UN Convention on Human Rights, as it could adversely affect a person’s right to a home.
Anyone?
Refused Insurance Over Tenant (Marion Dunne, Irish Times)
