A rented house is denied to a female couple: the landlord only wants “real families”

Recently a young, female couple had their request to view a proposed rental property refused because they were lesbians.

One of the women from Prato shared with frustration; “An agency expressly told us that the landlord does not want gays and lesbians. It’s a disgrace”.

Being gay isn’t easy – accepting yourself, coming out, telling family and friends, finding your personal and professional footing – and then to be treated so. Over rented accommodation.

But the sad reality in 2023 is: a couple see an advert for a flat. Two rooms, 60 sqm at 690 euros per month. The couple call the agency to arrange a viewing, but when the agent asks for their names and discovers they’re two women, they’re refused to even be allowed to view the property, explaining that the owner has specified that the house is not rented to female or male couples, but only to “traditional” families. The women ask for clarification, since they believe they’re a family in their own right. But the agent replies with a blasé “Yes, sorry, goodbye”.

This situation is shocking but unsurprising – asking the ongoing question: when will the concept of family be considered as something more than the heterosexual nuclear version.

We wish the women involved courage, strength and even more sense of self than before the archaic episode took place. Onwards!