This is fantastic news for renters around the country. Today the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has alerted landlords of their requirement to cease discriminating against tenants receiving housing assistance. The new grounds are in the Equal Status Acts 2000-2015 and have been praised as an important legislative development to safeguard the rights of tenants, and of those seeking rented accommodation who are in receipt of rent supplement, housing assistance payments, or other social welfare payments. The Chief Commissioner Emily Logan said the legislation is a a great step in recognising the importance  of protecting those of a lower economic status or income level. The changes have been in place since January 2016 but the Commission have alerted landlords to the changes en masse today to ensure they stick to them. “The Commission is aware from accommodation websites and from members of the public that this practice continues and has impacted negatively on individuals and their families who require State support by excluding them from the rental market.” Property advertisers, letting agencies and landlords and no longer include the term 'no rent allowance' in their notices.