Listings include phrases such as 'Muslim only', 'only for Muslims', and 'for 2 Muslim boys or 2 Muslim girls'. Some adverts specified preferred nationalities or languages, including Punjabi or Gujarati speakers, or tenants from Kerala and Haryana. Separate listings restricted vacancies by gender, with some job adverts specifying 'men only'.
A number of the posts were linked to a property firm operating on social media. Facebook removed one of the pages hosting such listings, but similar adverts remain visible on smaller or less regulated platforms. Telegram hosts dozens of posts specifying religion, nationality, or gender requirements.
Under the Equality Act 2010, landlords and letting agents are prohibited from discriminating against prospective tenants on the basis of religion, race, or gender. There is a limited exception where a landlord rents out a room within their own home and shares facilities with the tenant. Some landlords attempt to justify preferences on practical grounds, such as dietary habits or lifestyle choices.
However, framing preferences in explicitly religious or racial terms crosses into unlawful discrimination. It is unclear how many landlords or properties are involved, or whether any legal actions have been taken.