Landlord Facing Legal Action

A buy-to-let tycoon who banned Indian and Pakistani tenants from renting his homes "because of the curry smell" is facing legal action. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has applied for an injunction against Fergus Wilson. In his latest letting criteria, the Kent landlord has also banned zero-hour workers, single parents and "battered wives". Mr Wilson has defended his lettings policy on economic grounds. EHRC chief executive Rebecca Hilsenrath said it had applied for an injunction at Central London County Court. Read more on the BBC.

Welfare Reform Criticised As Social Housing Changes Approved

Government welfare reform came under fire as a council approved changes to its letting policy for social housing. Durham County Council has approved a raft of changes to its letting policy which aim to simplify the process of applying for new homes. The review of the system, which is used by County Durham’s housing associations, was carried out in response to impending changes to housing benefit. Alterations include changing the banding system to have fewer categories and changing the policy on rent arrears. Now, all arrears will be considered when deciding whether someone is an “acceptable tenant”. Previously it was set at eight weeks of arrears. Read more on the Northern Echo website.