A major London estate agency is facing a fierce backlash and a formal investigation after instructing potential renters they must prove an annual income of £60,000 just to be permitted to view a property.
The Controversial 'Dignity' Clause
The furore erupted when Foxtons, the prominent estate agent, included a staggering requirement in a property listing for a two-bedroom flat in Muswell Hill, North London. The advert stipulated that any applicant must have a minimum gross annual income of £60,000, deeming this a necessary condition to "maintain the dignity of the property".
This phrase, "maintain the dignity of the property", has been met with widespread derision and anger from housing charities and prospective tenants alike, who have labelled the policy as profoundly elitist and exclusionary.
Public and Expert Outcry
Housing advocacy groups were quick to condemn the move. Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, stated the requirement was "nonsense" and highlighted the extreme difficulties faced by ordinary people in the UK's competitive rental market. The public response on social media was one of fury, with many accusing the agency of blatant snobbery and of exacerbating the housing crisis.
Foxtons' Response and The Official Investigation
Following the public outcry, Foxtons initially attempted to distance itself, claiming the wording was an isolated error by an individual lettings manager and did not reflect company policy. However, the controversy has now triggered an official investigation by The Property Ombudsman, the industry's regulatory body.
A spokesperson for the Ombudsman confirmed they are looking into whether the agent's actions comply with their code of practice, which mandates all viewings be conducted in a "courteous and fair" manner.
A Symptom of a Wider Crisis
This incident is seen by many as a symptom of a much deeper issue within the UK's property landscape. With soaring rents and a severe shortage of available homes, tenants are often forced to compete fiercely for properties, sometimes giving agents and landlords disproportionate power to set unreasonable demands.
The debate has sparked a broader conversation about dignity, discrimination, and the power dynamics at play in the British housing market.
