Agent claimed advertised flat already rented out

June 2024

Rob* is an Aboriginal man and the father of three school age children. He works part-time and receives Centrelink benefits. He applied for a two-bedroom flat, however his application was declined. The real estate agent told Rob that the flat had been rented to another applicant. However, he saw that the flat continued to be advertised.

Rob organised for a friend with the same application profile, but who was not Aboriginal, to apply for the property. This person’s application was successful.

Rob lodged a complaint of race discrimination with ADNSW.

The complaint was resolved through conciliation, with the Conciliation Officer sharing information between the parties. The real estate agent agreed to lease the flat to Rob when shown the evidence.

*Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the individual