A wave of controversial rental listings circulating online has ignited debate in London, where some landlords are advertising rooms exclusively for Muslim tenants — a practice critics say may violate anti-discrimination laws.
The listings, shared across platforms including Facebook, Telegram, and Gumtree, included phrases such as “Only for Muslims,” “for 2 Muslim boys or 2 Muslim girls,” and “Muslims preferred,” according to a report by The Telegraph.
In one case, a one-bedroom rental was marketed specifically to a “Gujarati Muslim Student,” with the post noting the property was “ready to move [into] now” and located near a mosque.
The trend wasn’t limited to one group. Other listings sought tenants based on religion, nationality, or language, including preferences for Hindu or Punjabi renters. Some ads also included lifestyle restrictions, such as requiring tenants to be “alcohol and smoke-free.”
The advertisements have raised legal concerns under the Equality Act 2010, which prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, and other protected characteristics. Listings that explicitly restrict tenants to a specific religious group — such as “Muslim only” — could be considered violations of the law.
However, there is an exception. Landlords renting out rooms within their own homes may legally seek tenants who align with certain lifestyles or religious practices, particularly when shared spaces like kitchens or bathrooms are involved.
Even so, critics have condemned the listings, arguing they exclude large segments of the population.
“These adverts are disgusting and anti-British. It goes without saying that there would be a national outrage if the tables were turned,” said Robert Jenrick, who serves as Reform UK’s economic spokesman. “All forms of racism are unacceptable, and no religious group should get a special exemption to discriminate in this way.”
According to the report, when reporters contacted phone numbers linked to several of the listings and asked whether non-Muslim tenants would be accepted, they were turned away each time.
Following scrutiny, some of the listings were removed from Facebook.
A spokesperson for Gumtree said the company distinguishes between entire property rentals and shared living arrangements.
“We take reports of inappropriate listings very seriously,” the spokesperson said. “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.”
The controversy continues to fuel questions about where the line is drawn between personal preference and unlawful discrimination in the housing market.
