Christian Peregin
Qawra flat for rent... but no Arabs or blacks please
Ethnic communities often complain about unofficial discrimination in the housing market but their claims can now be backed by at least one “blatant” example.
Real estate agency Simon Estates published an advert on its website to attract aspiring leasers to a two-bedroom flat in Qawra for €300 a month.
But what caused a stir was a phrase casually dropped in at the end of the advert: “No arabs, blacks or young boys.”
The phrase was eventually deleted but not until several outraged people began sharing the link on Facebook, calling it shameful.
The case has been reported to the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality.
Responding to questions by The Times, the NCPE pointed out that such discrimination was against the law since a legal notice published in 2007 made it illegal to treat people differently on the grounds, for example, of race or ethnic origin.
The law makes specific reference to housing and to adverts. “Any person who acts in breach of (this) article shall be guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to the penalties established for contraventions.”
Asked what it was doing about this case, the NCPE said it launched an investigation whenever it received a complaint. The NCPE also pointed out that the complaints must be submitted in writing and supplemented with evidence, though help was at hand to fill in the necessary forms.
It did not specify if it was looking into this particular case although it told a person who lodged a complaint that it was.
But as some Facebook users pointed out, could this advert be symptomatic of a widespread problem which is not usually expressed so blatantly?
Last year, the NCPE published a study showing that racial discrimination is “common” when looking for a place to rent or buy. “The majority of respondents who experiences discrimination on the basis of race/ethnic origin, claimed to have been discriminated against in the sphere of accomodation. In all cases, the perpetrator of the discrimination was the potential landlord.”
Since 2007, NCPE has received three official written complaints from members of ethnic minorities about housing discrimination, though this figure could be a result of underreporting, which is also common.
Local non-profit organisation Integra Foundation, which seeks to help refugees and asylum-seekers with integration, said the Simon Estates advert was “an example of blatant racist discourse and discrimination which should be dealt with in the appropriate manner”.
Speaking on behalf of the foundation, Maria Pisani pointed out that the discourse used in the advert reflected commonly held “myths, false beliefs and stereotypes” that were woven through Maltese society, in this case, about people from minority ethnic groups as well as young people.
“Such discourse produces a system of social inequality wherein different minority social groups do not have equal access to material and nonmaterial social resources.”
She added that service providers have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure this discourse was not reproduced and that their services were made available to everyone, without discrimination.
Ms Pisani said it was positive, however, that the advert was shared on social networking sites, showing, perhaps, that there was a growing percentage of Maltese people who find this behaviour unacceptable.
Simon Estates did not reply to questions about the case.
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142 Comments
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Sean Grima
Nov 20th 2011, 12:45
this is not about being politically correct, but about being morally correct.
Joseph Ellul
Nov 15th 2011, 22:25
The government can rent to whom it wants and yet a private business cannot do so. In a democracy the citezen is entitled to freedom of speech and freedom of doing business with whoever they like. If I do not want to associate myself with a particular ethnic group, then it is my right to do so. So, I consider that I will sell my goods or rent my whares to whom I want and from whom I can get the best return. This is business. The banks do this all the time, but do not stipulate colour or creed although they exercise the option in another way.
Governments must not dictate.
Paul McIlroy
Nov 27th 2011, 12:08
You are talking a load of rubbish Mr Ellul. If you are in business then you have to abide by the law like everyone else. The law states that you cannot discriminate against people because of race, creed, sexuality or colour.
If you don't like these laws then you should not be running a business.
Mike Abbot
Nov 15th 2011, 20:55
so many people missing the point here.....
how about a sign on a flat in London that reads 'No Maltese' - how does that make you feel? As far as the landlord is concerned all Maltese are thieving peasants and that might well be his experience & view of the Maltese.
it doesn't make him right though does it? And if he's allowed to put a sign up like that and get away with it, then other people may do the same and assume he is right about that Maltese. Before long, it becomes accepted fact that the Maltese are not to be trusted and it becomes common practice to refuse to rent to Maltese people.
If the landlord has every right to say this in an advert then what i've illustrated above is the result. This is exactly how any kind of prejudice works.
For the sake of a better society, please insist this is not acceptable and insist on people finding a different way to assess who they are comfortable renting to. After all, you wouldn't turn Barack Obama away from renting your apartment because of his skin colour would you?
Colin Stanley
Nov 16th 2011, 13:27
do you remember in London ,when they used to put up a sign on their window, Rooms to let, No blacks, no babies, no pets.
Keith D'Amato
Nov 15th 2011, 20:09
Personalment jin naqbel. Kulhadd idahhal lill min irid id-dar tiegħu
Joe Xuereb
Nov 15th 2011, 19:42
A landlord has every right to let to whoever he wants but blatant exclusion of some group or other, in print, is unacceptable. The landlord should aim at having a 'professional' landlord/tenant relationship which should eliminate discrimination(I am thinking here of landlords who will rent solely to young women and nobody else, and for obvious reasons). The prospective tenant should produce references but this is not always possible for obvious reasons. The landlord in qustion probably heard stories (or had experience?) of Arabs/black people taking in their friends with a flat for one sleeping a much a greater number (on one rent, obviously). Maltese people can behave like this too and I know for sure that Poles and others, perfectly legitimate migrants in London often do this to save on the rent. It is useful to be mindful of 'bad' tenants but one can not discriminate against a whole group because of a few. Mal-ħażin jeħel it-tajjeb ukoll unfortunately and has been ever so. That said, the case that springs to mind was the flat in a block in Sliema not that long ago and the tenants were evacuated because they were using the place as a temple of sorts, to the annoyance of the neighbours. In essence, keep on the right side of the law when renting and be mindful that as a landlord, one has the right to rent to whoever one wishes. The mind can not be policed after all. And cultural differences are a reality too. I have experienced in my house neighbours who deep-fry anything, the fat is thrown in plastic bags, the bags burst often by Mr. Fox in the night, and the landing is covered with oil that no rain will wash away. Plus leaving fron doors open (in Central London, in central anywhere, this is crazy. It may be acceptable in wherever it is they come from but in London we do things differently. I could go on and one but no, one must not, can not, generalise. It is one of those things in life we have to deal with.
Maria-Theresa Murch
Nov 15th 2011, 18:48
would it be better if one rented and when the place is wracked one has to pay to get the tenants out and the landlord is left out of pocket as a result, that would pleased the ones who do not have property...........very nice indeed.The PC brigade are dreaming and ought to spend some time with students( not all are untidy) strangers of every persuasion and people who do not have the social manners who keep stomping up and down stairs in houses with spiral staircases when one is at home because of illness. Work that one....out if you can! People who live in glass house should not throw...........stones.
Joseph Vassallo, (Bugibba)
Nov 15th 2011, 18:11
Currently in UK, you can say you do not want to let to DHSS tenants.
Ian Grima
Nov 15th 2011, 17:52
Just because the discriminatory statement was removed from the advert it does not mean that the land lord will accept people that do not fit his/her "requirements". While the statement appeared as blatantly racist it just paints an honest picture of who this landlord is willing to rent his flat to... If nothing else such a statement would have prevented people from wasting their time with a landlord that would not be willing to rent out the flat anyway...
Victor Pulis
Nov 15th 2011, 17:35
Does that mean people like Eddie Murphy, Tiger Woods or even the President of the united Staes not to mention some Arab sheik from Dubai cannot apply?!!! I'm sure they'd be very prompt with their rent!!
Daniel Dimech
Nov 15th 2011, 16:20
sippost pajjiz demokratiku
Charles Grima
Nov 15th 2011, 13:07
Although not saying that I would, if that place was mine, I would INTERVIEW the applicants and decide then. After all, IT IS MINE...
This is normal in England, Italy, and the good old USA....
Luciano Mule Stagno
Nov 15th 2011, 12:37
A landlord has a right to do what he or she pleases as long as it doesn't break the law.
This breaks the law. Such discrimination is ignorant because it assumes that all people of a certain group, sex or race are homogeneous - for example the hundreds of millions of Arabs.
No modern and civilized society can accept this.
Mario Sciberras
Nov 15th 2011, 12:35
@ Mr.Michael Camilleri
Try to see how much apartment sleeps and then count the residents in it.
Jovana Kuzeljevic
Nov 15th 2011, 11:52
I'm a 3rd country national. I know all about discrimination. lived here for 10 yrs and every second was a battle for survival, and now i feel like I'm finally loosing this battle because there is just no way for me to get a working permit. (at this point I've lived in Malta more then i lived in Serbia) Sorry to break this to you, but law creates discrimination.
Wenzu Vella
Nov 16th 2011, 00:07
Jovana Kuzeljevic you are either very wealthy or you have been working without a legal work permit to be able to survive living in Malta for the last 10 years.
John Azzopoardi
Nov 15th 2011, 11:47
As long as you are allowed by law to do whatever you want, do whatever you please. That is life.
B Cassar
Nov 15th 2011, 09:52
If I have an apartment to rent no one will dictate to me to whom I rent it. That's my apartment and I do with it what I want this includes giving it to the people I choose. Whatever the replies this is my apartment and my property. Enough said!
B Smith
Nov 15th 2011, 12:24
You do have a final say who you want in your apartment however there is no need to advertise it plus you can not generalize a race or an ethnicity that is racism however you sugar coat it...What's in a colour?
Michael Camileri
Nov 15th 2011, 08:01
Im not sure what Arabs and blacks have to offer in a negative sense, but young boys yes. I was once a young lad, and I apologise to the neighbours now... for all the noise and parties
Kenneth Galea
Nov 15th 2011, 07:44
Landlords have every right to decide who to rent their property to. At the end of the day the property belongs to the landlord and he/she has every right to be selective. If the landlord does not want blacks or arabs then he/she feels that property is being protected. Blacks and Arabs will take up the flat and probably get their peers to move in their droves, consequently trashing the place. No-one is going to tell me who I were to rent my property to if I am found in this situation.
E. Buhagiar
Nov 15th 2011, 06:09
The "NO VISITS BY JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES” sticker on your front door is a blatant discrimination as well! Investigate this NCPE!!! :-)
A Cordina
Nov 15th 2011, 12:16
I like!
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Nov 15th 2011, 02:21
How does one define an arab? On the basis of where he or she resides, his or her religion ....?
Ms.D. Galea
Nov 15th 2011, 11:47
Nor all muslims are arabs and not all arabs are muslims, if that is what you had in mind Mr Chetcuti.
Alfrida Vella
Nov 14th 2011, 22:11
Fuq kollox hu is sid tal-post, ek hu postu jaghmel il irid lil min irid jikrih
John Azzopoardi
Nov 15th 2011, 00:25
Alfrida, whether you agree or not does not matter. We live in Europe now and thus we must adhere to EU laws. No discrimination. This is not what you and I want, but what the EU says.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Nov 15th 2011, 01:26
Alfrida, is-sid tal-post ghandu jirrispetta l-ligi tal-pajjiz ukoll. Fl-ahhar mill-ahhar huwa l-pajjiz li jaghtih is-sigurita li jghix fil-kwiet. Barra minn hekk, hi kontra l-ligi nisranija u jien naf kemm hafna Maltin ihobbu jiftahru li huma nsara. X'tahseb kieku s-sid qal li jixtieq jikrih imma mhux lin-nisa. Id-dritt li tikri post mhwiex minghajr limitazzjonijiet. Il-liberta kulhadd ihobbha imma mhux biss fejn jidhlu l-flus. Jekk Gharbi ma jiflahx ihallas il-kera, is-sid mghandux jikrih lilu imma r-raguni ghandha tkun ghax ma jiflahx ihallas mhux ghax hu Gharbi. Fl-ahhar mill-ahhar ahna l-Maltin gharab ukoll minkejja l-pretensjonijiet ta' xi whud.
T Gauci
Nov 15th 2011, 11:13
@Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Il-ligi nisranija dik ta kontra il-liberta ta divorzju...
roberto bordino
Nov 14th 2011, 20:47
MY CONTRACT FOR A FLAT IN MALTA, RENTED FROM A MALTESE LANDLORD SAYS THAT I CAN NOT BE A MALTESE CITIZEN. I HAVE LIVED IN MALTA LONG ENOUGH TO APPLY FOR CITIZENSHIP AND WOULD LIKE TO , BUT I WILL HAVE TO LEAVE MY HOME. SO IT IS NOT JUST NO BLACKS NO ARABS BUT ALSO NO MALTESE
Joseph Vassallo, (Bugibba)
Nov 14th 2011, 22:41
I presume that to be an old contract from when, being Maltese meant you could become a sitting tenant.
It probably no longer applies so, in your shoes, I would renegotiate my contract.
However, I think the piece refers to the appearance of racial discrimination not to the actual rights of an owner to administer his property as he sees fit. Somewhat cosmetic, in my opinion.
Kate Hudson
Nov 15th 2011, 10:11
So you should take your landlord to court for discriminatory practice! If we all ignore this nothing will change.
Adrian Sacco
Nov 14th 2011, 20:36
The UK outlawed racial discrimination in housing with its Race Relations Act 1968. Malta *only* took just short of forty years for its laws to catch up.
P Bonnici
Nov 14th 2011, 19:37
Coincidentally today my brother told me that he rented a flat to a Libyan and he had to go to Libya to fight. This Libyan owed my brother 80 Euro rent which he did not pay before he left Malta.
A few weeks later another Libyan was searching for my brother, when he eventuially found him, he handed him 80 Euro. The Libyan told my brother that the 80 Euro were for the outstanding rent! I could not believe the honesty of this Libyan!
Kate Hudson
Nov 15th 2011, 10:13
Why not? Do you believe that all Libyans are dishonest? Your comments reveal your prejudice too!
cesco di luigi
Nov 14th 2011, 19:13
When my son (Maltese) went to Gozo for a weekend with his friends they rented a farmhouse the owner told them to get their own sheets. I was infuriated and phoned the agent and I told him bet you wouldn't do that to a German or a Dutch. He said no that's true, but the owner decides. I guess one has the right to decide to whom to rent one's own property.
Peter Murray
Nov 14th 2011, 19:58
What has this got to do with renting property as opposed to terms and conditions of facilities and ultilities contained within the property-as its entirely differentand you woudl you say the same if your son went for a job and the owner of the firm decided not to employ him simply because of his race,colour or nationality?
John Azzopoardi
Nov 15th 2011, 00:27
Cesco, you know what a lot of young maltese man and women do when they go to Gozo. Have party after party after party and have total disregard for private places. This is a fact because I have rented out a place and that is what I got in return. So I will never rent to young men or women as long I can hold out.
D.Stallion stewart
Nov 15th 2011, 00:30
We stopped visiting Gozo for various reason and your comment above Mr.di Luigi adds to the lists, in actual fact we wouldn't rent a farm house or a flat in gozo anymore or even spend time over there for free. Sicily is the nearest and much cheaper for most Maltese. i don't have to ad lib, but without upsetting these farmers, they know what they can do with their farm houses and second rate flats---rent them to the foreigners see if they can do any better.
Charles Grima
Nov 15th 2011, 13:13
I'd never rent in Gozo... I'm already a foreigner when I get there...
Sicily is just a bit further up the road (so to speak), and FAAAR cheaper...
Zagroma Savrene
Nov 14th 2011, 18:35
His house, his rules. Deal with it.
Alfrida Vella
Nov 14th 2011, 22:08
Totally agree with u
Charles Massa
Nov 14th 2011, 17:14
Mela s sid ma ghandux dritt jikri l flat tieghu lil min irid?
Mark Blackburn
Nov 14th 2011, 18:39
Milli jidher le Charles.
As soon a as you make a comment people accuse you of either being pregudist, racist, biased or discrimatory.
The fact of the matter is the world has become too politically correct and one has to be very carefull what one says for fear of being labled or prosecuted.
When one invests a large sum of money in property, one should not be dictated to whom or what he is allowed to rent his property to. It is afterall HIS / HER property.
And before any more comments arise, I personally do not give a rat's ass where said tennants come from or what the colour of their skin is as long as they respect the rental agreement terms.
I bet that quite a few of the Negative bloggers on this column would think twice before renting out their hard earned properties to any Tom, Dick, or Harry.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Nov 15th 2011, 01:45
An owner who denies to rent a property to a person on the basis of his or her own race is a racist. End of matter. Most civilised countries have laws prohibiting such discrimination and stiff penalties. You judge a person on his or her record. If an Arab has a history of avoiding his or her obligations under a lease, then you are quite entitled to refuse to rent the premises to him or her but race has nothing to do with it.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Nov 15th 2011, 08:27
Re rearlier comment, "on his record" should read "by his record".
Mark Blackburn
Nov 15th 2011, 10:12
@ Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Sound to me that you either do not unerstand English, or you are jumping the gun and coming to your own conclusions.
Quote :- "And before any more comments arise, I personally do not give a rat's ass where said tennants come from or what the colour of their skin is as long as they respect the rental agreement terms"
I am definately not a RACIST and am 100% against any sort of racism, but I definately reserve the right to hire my properties to whoever I want end of story.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Nov 15th 2011, 21:25
Mark, and if you or anyone else refuses to rent property to a person on the sole ground of their race, then you are a racist. Perhaps you would care to offer us your own definition of racism?
Anthony Connolly
Nov 14th 2011, 16:25
Although I do not believe in prejudice on race, color or religion I do believe the whole thing can run foul if not dealt with correctly. Here in the UK we had a problem of reverse prejudice. This is when you were fearful of employing. You would feel that you had to take somebody on from the ethnic minority or people who had different sexual desires even the color of their skin. For a long time we heard the saying "Discrimination" I personally believe that this has caused more problems with racialism than we had before. I have close friends in the so called Minority and if the campaigners of PC ever heard the way we spoke to each other they would have a fit. Any way I digress the point I make is to be wary of the PC rebound
fleur marie cilia buckett
Nov 14th 2011, 14:09
landlords choice! nuff said!!
R ferriggi
Nov 14th 2011, 14:00
locally,,,, EVEN OUR GOVERNMENT ENDORSES DISCRIMINATION.
1. FOREIGNERS DRIVING CARS LOCALLY.
2. FOREIGNERS BUYING PROPERTY AND OWNING IT.
3. ARMS BILLS,,,,,, NUMBER OF PERSONS IN A BUILDING. ( FOREIGNERS CANT HAVE id CARD!!!)
4. FOREIGNERS PAY MORE ON OUR BUSES YES??
AND THE LIST GOES ON.
THESE ARE ALL FORMS OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION.
Salvinu Buttigieg
Nov 14th 2011, 17:07
Sorry R.Ferriggi, i think you are wrong, i do not call it discrimination against foreigners i call it a very clever move by the Maltese gvernment, where else can he accumilate the coffers from, certainly not the maltese, they tend to hide when taxes are due, but from the foreigners ofcourse, when they are here they got no choice but to pay -pay and pay through the nose., that my friend is called clever business and skinning the tourists.
mark borg
Nov 14th 2011, 20:07
Totally disagree with you, as this government inundated Malta with illegal immigrants (all shapes and colours) ensuring thousands will remain here for generations to come !
Carmelo Mamo
Nov 14th 2011, 20:57
@ Mark Borg - And we also gave them free mobile phones with top up vouchers , ID Cards and close shut both our eyes in the face of blatant employment abuse in Marsa area !
Ms.D. Galea
Nov 14th 2011, 13:28
What does one expect from private individuals when it is OFFICIAL POLICY THAT WHEN USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT, FOREIGNERS ARE EXPECTED TO PAY MORE?
R ferriggi
Nov 14th 2011, 13:58
VERY WELL SAID.
we have institutionalised discrimination!!!!!
Joseph Borg
Nov 14th 2011, 16:13
Hekk baqa sur Galea nissussidjaw lil min mhux residenti Malta ukoll.
Sandro Galea
Nov 14th 2011, 19:07
@Mr. J. Borg
Int qatt hrigt minn pajjizek siehbi?
Joseph Vassallo, (Bugibba)
Nov 14th 2011, 22:48
@ Joseph Borg:
Mur ara kemm nigu tajjeb jekk dawk li qed nehdulhom tariffa ghola minn taghna ghax m'humiex residentli Malta, jiddeciedu li jmorru x'imkien iehor flok jigu hawn. X'tahseb li jigri jekk jonqsu il-visitaturi?
debbie Voss
Nov 14th 2011, 13:19
Are only africans regarded as foreigners? Are the dutch young man who demolished a farmhousein Gozo 2 yrs ago foreigners? Is the swedish 17 yr old who raped a girl and was sent homewithout any punishment a foreigner? Is the frenchman who assaulted a the police and was given a suspended sentence a foreigner? According to all authorities and all maltese smith and jones the answer seems to be no. White european can rape the country but not africans.
DannyBoy BartoloJr.
Nov 14th 2011, 14:05
Yes true i agree but you forgot to add the British whether English-Welsh_Scottish NOT the Irish so much they are more responsible then the rest of the throw backs that tend to create havoc after a few drinks, i know of a few in and around Gozo who tend to take us Goiztans full granted, and as far as some Maltese some are ok others well i tend to put them in the same catogory as the Brits.don't seem to care. But just like anything else Money talks.
Doris Sarlo
Nov 14th 2011, 12:57
I think a landloed has a right to choose his tenant. Just a couple of years ago a friend of mine - Maltese - was refused a flat because the landlord wanted to rent to foreigners only. The fact that my friend had a Scottish husband did not help either. The landlord refused them rent. They accepted it, though they did not like it. They acknowledged that the owner has the right to decide who he lets his property to!
Neil Collins
Nov 14th 2011, 16:10
Landlords have the right to choose their tenant based on many factors. You can even decide "hey, he looks a bit of rough, not the the kind of person I want in my house". But no Blacks is what the rest of the civilised world call "Racist". You cant generalise how a person behaves based on skin colour"
I have a Maltese friend who lets property out and he also refuses to have Maltese tenants - i wont go into why he doesnt want Maltese people in his houses but he seems to have a real problem with his fellow countrymen/women. It is just another form of discrimination - but it is still discrimination and should be eliminated from any advanced society
Peter Seebohm
Nov 14th 2011, 18:18
@ Mr. Collins
Exact what I heared when I started to look for a flat, years ago: We don´t want to rent to Maltese.
I was really concerned about the statement, but after years I understand a bit. "It is not mine, why should I take care" That is the problem...... but not only at Malta !!!!!!!!!!!
And: YESSSSSSSSSSS. The landlord must have the right to choice who he lets in or not.
Joseph Vassallo, (Bugibba)
Nov 14th 2011, 12:38
I do not think that this is about race or ethnicity... at least not unless you consider "culture" or "way of life" as being racist.
Imagine this scenario: An empty flat in a block is let to someone who cooks curry every day. Within two weeks, the whole block reeks of curry and other tenants start handing in their notice of leaving. How does one pre-empt this?
Landlords have other ways of ascertaining compliance without resorting to "racial" exclusion. They could, for example, require references from previous landlords declaring where they had been renting, that they had been good tenants and evidence that bills for utilities and damages had been paid.
Estate agencies and owners themselves should have a supportive outlook towards common protection from known problem-tenants. References are essential in some European countries.
Imagine sharing common areas and service with extended families that, for a whole month, sleep during the day and cook, eat and has visitors making merry until sunrise. Your daytime noise will disturb them too.
These scenarios are not limited to Arabs, Africans or young boys (collectively renting somewhere to party or smoke weed). They apply to anyone and owners are justified to protect property and other tenants, by being pre-emptive.
Another common problem is associated with assisted tenants who often depart unexpectedly (fly-by-night) leaving unpaid rent, unpaid utility bills and boxes-upon-boxes of half-eaten take-away meals for the owners to clear up.
Did I mention refrigerators full of rotting food and mattresses stained or heavily soaked with smelly body fluids? Let us not discuss damage caused by drilling holes (in walls and door-frames) for cable-TV in all rooms and total disrespect for owners' bread-and-butter. Would you believe plastic bottles and tin cans dotted around a room, half-filled with stale urine? Cleaners cost money and painters cost even more.
To such tenants, owners deserve no better than to be despised, even if they did not evict them for non-payment of rent, because there were innocent babies involved. To sue them is never productive, BUT if references are withheld, there might eventually be created, a semblance of respect for owners' moral rights.
Whichever way an advertisement is worded, it is purely cosmetic if it simply avoids using specific terminology. The meaning remains the same. But if it weren't for bad tenants themselves, we would not have such words as "discrimination" or "racist" in this arena.
Kate Hudson
Nov 15th 2011, 10:17
Much of what you say is right, but he point is that it is up to landlords to choose a suitable tenant for their property and this may, indeed, include taking into account who the other residents of the block are. But you cannot apply a blanket ban to groups of people based on prejudice and discrimination. Everyone is an individual regardless of where they come from or what they believe and everyone has the right to be treated as an individual
Kenneth Bonnici
Nov 14th 2011, 12:28
While I dont agree with the advert mentioned, I believe that the owner has a right to choose who uses his property. And I also wonder that how come when people complain about Spanish students making a lot of noise in Summer, no one accuses anyone of racism? And why does no one comment if an owner does not accept Maltese? Or does not accept young people? Aren't all these restrictions stereo-typing as well then? Or does racism apply only to Arabs and ''Africans'?
R Cuschieri
Nov 14th 2011, 12:27
The owner went the wrong way about this. He/she cannot blatantly advertise as no blacks or arabs.
They can however subject the prospective tenant to an interview and he may be refused on the basis of the interview.
This is regularly done abroad.
fleur marie cilia buckett
Nov 14th 2011, 14:13
reality the landord can do what he wants - his property, his terms!
Pia Attard
Nov 14th 2011, 14:17
precisely.
David O'Neill
Nov 14th 2011, 12:20
In the UK it used to be no Dogs, Blacks or Irish on signs advertising places for rent. The race relations act put paid to that which it should.
That said it is much easier to require references from a previous landlord and employer than try and ascertain whether they pay the rent on time because of the colour of their skin.
Check the references properly and you will have more piece of mind. Even Northern Europeans can be scum bags.
Anthony Caruana
Nov 14th 2011, 12:05
This advert was disgusting. Simeon Estates Directors should be held responsilbe and fined for allowing its publication and failing to have adequate internal organisational systems to prevent this sort of discrimination.
Reinhard Azzopardi
Nov 14th 2011, 22:10
Do you own any property which you rent you rent out ? From your heartfelt post, I think you do not. I'm sure that this advert wasn't made out of hatred or discrimination. It came about as a result of negative experiences.
Mr Daniel Jones
Nov 14th 2011, 11:44
You should all be ashamed. After all, the Maltese people are directly descended from the african continent. It is so obvious - dark skin, brown eyes, black curly hair etc.
And no, landlords cannot refuse to rent to people on grounds of race, gender or any other stereotyping. Those that do can find themselves subject to prosecution, as I hope happens in this case.
Joe Borg
Nov 14th 2011, 12:34
@daniel jones: said Dr Jones, a famous professor in Human Genetics...
Well to your surprise, Maltese are descendants of southern Italians according to a study done the University of Malta, peer reviewed by a British University.
Peter Murray
Nov 14th 2011, 12:47
Dear Daniel.
Not my business where you hail from but I wouldn't be so quick to condemn as the UK invented this type of blatant discrimination and got away with it for a great ,many year.As when I was a lad in the 50's (that.s 1950's by the way).For it was a common siight in the UK to see adverts stating 'for rent" in private household windows(and even holiday accommodation in UK resorts) followed by ,in capital letters "NO BLACKS,IRISH OR DOGS"-aren't animals subject to being discriminated against also?
Kevin Aquilina
Nov 14th 2011, 13:03
Is that an atempt at trolling Mr Jones? (Here, I will please you with a reply..)
"..the Maltese people are directly descended from the african continent.." the expert genetic anthropologist has spoken.
" It is so obvious - dark skin, brown eyes, black curly hair etc" Mediterranean features are directly linked to the African continent for MrJones.
Instead of any reply to this you would better spare yourself some time and read some good history.
"And no, landlords cannot refuse to rent to people on grounds of race, gender or any other stereotyping. Those that do can find themselves subject to prosecution, as I hope happens in this case."
In fact WORLDWIDE landlords DO refuse to rent to people on any grounds they deem right, being ethnic origins, cultural groups, sexual orientation or the colour of one's socks for that matter!! Only an amatureish landlord would not disclose the true reason of the dismissal if he finds it unapropiate or offensive for his prospective client.
Anthony Azzopardi
Nov 14th 2011, 13:36
Maybe we should treat them like the English people treat the Irish.. or the Scots?
Peter Borg
Nov 14th 2011, 13:40
Are you suggesting by any chance that it would be acceptable for people with blond hair and blue eyes to discriminate ? As far as I am aware all of mankind is descended from the first of our species to stand upright and this took place in Africa so your ancestors too originate in Africa if you are a human being. Your comment is offensive because you seem to imply that dark skinned, brown eyed Maltese ( and you should be aware that this is a generalisaton - many Maltese are also fair skinned ) are in some way inferior. Why dont you practice what you preach ?
Adrian Sacco
Nov 15th 2011, 01:09
What planet did you just fly in from, Mr Daniel Jones? Some of us even have blue eyes here - me for one - as well as very pale skin! Who is doing the "stereotyping"?
Reinhard Azzopardi
Nov 15th 2011, 11:24
Mr. Jones,
Do you have a say on who to let into your home or not? I guess you do. Therefore, a landlord should have the same right. In my opinion, the only wrongdoing was the fact that he blatantly spread it across his advert.
John A. Gauci
Nov 14th 2011, 11:33
Well- I do not blame them! (the owners) I have heard stories about this matter. Who can blame the owner of a flat who was bitten and robbed.? I have no flats for hire-- but if I had I would ask for a deposit - to compensate for any 'missed payment' or damage done to the flat. I think that whose people who betrayed the flat owners should be 'ashamed' not the flat owner. The flat owner is defending himself and his family.
+Charlie Micallef
Nov 14th 2011, 12:18
What you saying is right called bond you put say Eu 1000 so if the people who rent the place do damage it get payed of from the bond if the place is left as they found it good and clean then they get the Eu 1000 back and everyone happy .
Pamela Borg
Nov 14th 2011, 13:07
I have heard stories about maltese destroying properties too so does that mean no maltese are allowed to rent a property? Don't judge a book by it's cover as all books are different no matter what the topic is about!!!! By the way to rent a property you have to pay a deposit.
Patricia Saliba
Nov 14th 2011, 17:52
agreed!!!!!!!
Peter Murray
Nov 14th 2011, 11:27
In the Times of Malta "for rent" section of the classiified column just a couple of years ago an advert appeared for a maisonette to let which clearly identifed that this property was only available for "FOREIGNERS ONLY".Whatever happened to proof readers to let that one slip by and how was it considered accetrable when presented as an advert in any event?
MALCOLM SEYCHELL
Nov 14th 2011, 11:25
The owner has every right to refuse to rent his place to particular people.... As Mr Caruana stated sometimes even Maltese are refused and the owner should have a right to do so.
How you can blame the owners not to rent their flats to certain people, if they have families of 8 or more. It is a fact that where you find a good number of certain people, property prices will go down, because no Maltese or European citizens want to go and live with them.
This is private property so the owner can do whatever he likes
Joanna Bowerman
Nov 14th 2011, 11:49
It is true that the property is private but should the owner be having all these restrictions might as well keep his property to himself and stuff it.. Only people like you wouldnt want to live next to a foreigner, as believe me, most of them are much more civilised and tolerant than certain people.
MALCOLM SEYCHELL
Nov 14th 2011, 11:53
Go and ask that question to people living in Marsa ......
and I have no problem with foreigners, but just some foreigners mainly those with an expired VISA or illegal ones.
Pamela Borg
Nov 14th 2011, 11:16
How does a landlord know if the future tenant is going to look after his/her place? No matter what nationality? Why assume only balcks, arabs and young boys will destroy or not look after the property or whatever reason? Everyone no matter what should provide references from previous landlords to show that rent was always paid and they looked after their previous property. People also pay a bond before renting so that is what the bond is there for if their is any damage or problems! I am maltese however how does the landlowd know that i am not going to destroy their property? Tenants should be looked at their history of making payments on time and how they look after the property not on their race. We are all human, we all breathe the same air and have the same colour blood. You are all quick to Judge. How do you feel if you were on the other end of that Judgement?
Joseph Grech Attard
Nov 14th 2011, 11:14
As if this is new! Remember when a certain political party, not so long ago, labelled the Arabs as "tal-habbaziz?". It's a well known fact that many Maltese "Christians" treat Arabs and coloured people as 2nd class human beings, and this goes as far as slavery and the treatment of ethnic Americans by the then "conquistadors!" Maltese citizens should not forget our ancestors who emigrated to foreign countries. They were NOT treated in then same way. We all have relatives living abroad. Racism in Malta reigns, and VIP's, including, of course, politicians, should be held responsible.
F Goodwin
Nov 14th 2011, 11:10
Just to back this up, I'm a foreigner and when I was looking for a flat, I found that if I phoned a landlord who had advertised a place for rent, they would ask me where I come from. Without directly asking if I was black, they always managed to ascertain that I'm white before they'd speak to me seriously. It made me very uneasy. Eventually I went through an agent, but it wouldn't surprise me at all if the agents get such instructions from their landlord clients.
As much as this advertisement was outrageous and disgusting, I'm glad it's out in the open now so that Maltese society can deal with this issue.
James Dimech
Nov 14th 2011, 11:05
This racist advert is totally not on. But then again I have to say that I did have problems renting out to Libyans (they never paid on time, they caused a lot of damage) so I will never rent out anything to them again. On the other hand I had a good experience with people from Kuwait.
We have a long way to go to cut down on racism. But then targeted people should at least make an effort to behave appropriately and not prove the racists' theories right.
Alan Kay
Nov 14th 2011, 10:59
This advertisement is making explicit what in many cases in Malta is implicit and in some cases, part of Government policy.
Foreigners are charged more on the buses, there is a two-tier charging structure for electricity & water and many other examples which are accepted as normal.
Neither can be condoned and any sane educated person who advocates "Malta for the Maltese" is living in the 1930's in a fascist state and should be dealt with in the same way they were.
Malta is a European state and benefiting greatly from it and should be aware these kinds of insults have no place in the 21st century.
Dennis Zammit
Nov 14th 2011, 12:46
Foreigners are NOT charged differently on the bus system!!!
Maltese and foreigners residing in Malta share the same subsidized price. Non residents are charged the full price.
Jurgen Farrugia
Nov 14th 2011, 10:56
The statment should be left out of the advert,but lets be realistic, if you lease a flat to a foreigner,they will make your flat worse than a farm. So I agree they don't rent to these people. But it should not be made that public,it hurts.
Graham Holme
Nov 14th 2011, 10:47
An advert in the British newspapers a few years ago.
The owner was selling his house.Police car pulls up outside arrests the property owner for what they say racial discrimination
The advert read.House for sale,etc,etc,etc,no Asians.
Turns out it was an error on the part of the adverts section of the newspaper.
Should have said.House for sale etc etc,no Agents
Ms Alison Bagley
Nov 14th 2011, 10:43
The only difference between this landlord & many others is that he is being honest.
Peter Gee
Nov 14th 2011, 10:42
The landlord may have been a bit crude about it, but lets be honest with ourselves, we're all a little bit racist. Its his property and he has a right to do what he wants with it.
Mr Eric Gahn
Nov 14th 2011, 10:40
There is nothing wrong with this. The landlord has every right to decide who to rent his place to. it is a known fact that some people are incapable of maintaining a clean living standard. Why should he rent at going rates only to find that when the lease is over he has to spend more money ot bring back the place to habitable standards? Would this not then affect the rent of the next leasee? Is that not discrimnatory towards the latter?
Kevin Aquilina
Nov 14th 2011, 10:33
Here at Qawra, one quickly forms a good idea of whom you would want to rent your property to or not.
IMHO, Simon Estates are at fault only because they've put on an AD something whiich sounds bad to the ears of persons who are detached from reality, which seem to proliferate nowadays.
Whatever the equal rights and multicultural advocates preach from their comfortable chairs, at the end, its the landlord who will have to pay for the damages the renter would not make good for and excuse himself with the neighbourhood for any inconvieniences caused.
Kevin Aquilina
Nov 14th 2011, 10:33
Here at Qawra, one quickly forms a good idea of whom you would want to rent your property to or not.
IMHO, Simon Estates are at fault only because they've put on an AD something whiich sounds bad to the ears of persons who are detached from reality, which seem to proliferate nowadays.
Whatever the equal rights and multicultural advocates preach from their comfortable chairs, at the end, its the landlord who will have to pay for the damages the renter would not make good for and excuse himself with the neighbourhood for any inconvieniences caused.
.
Joseph Borg
Nov 14th 2011, 10:32
Our own Government discriminates against it's own people!!!! What's the fuss all about then!!!! Consider car prices, working rights to Third Country Nationals durable partners of Maltese citizens, just to name a few!
graham crowhurst
Nov 14th 2011, 10:23
He should let to who He wants to
D.Stallion stewart
Nov 14th 2011, 14:46
Yeah except the British, they can be a bit of a pain in the backside too, how many just take off without paying, even at one time leaving a hired car abandoned outside the airport. Think about it, does that bring back memories, how many take off without paying the internet or the water and electricity bills....come on play the whiteman's game pal.
J. Scicluna
Nov 14th 2011, 10:23
Why should not the owner retain the RIGHT to rent out to whoever he pleases?!
Blatant or not, this guy was honest enough to show it but because of a bunch of "bleedin' hearts" and all this political correctness he is now the subject of discussion.
The world is going steadily mad with all this PC!
Adrian Friggieri
Nov 14th 2011, 10:15
It is not a nice comment however I am more then sure that this 'statement' is only coming form the landlord who have given clear instructions on what the landlord wants, I do not think it is fair to blame the agency or any other agency as these comment / requests are all the time being heard from landlords.
Do you know how difficult it is to find a rental for an arab or for young foreigners or even young maltese, do you know why? It is very simple, the landlords refuse them because they think they will be some sort of trouble.
i do not agree of course with such a situation but I also do not agree to blame it on 1 company when am sure all the agencies have the same issue but very hidden in the files.
Joseph Stephen Galea
Nov 14th 2011, 10:00
Did i ever read that about the large number of landlords that rented these people an apartment and then end up with most items broken, damaged or disgustingly dirty, rentals unpaid and a huge water and electricity bill ... and the police unable to trace them?
Patricia Saliba
Nov 14th 2011, 18:03
I have heard of that happening so many times, no wonder landlords are careful who they rent to, would anyone who had defaulting tenants be prepared so quickly to rent out again, a very large deposit would maybe stop it, appartment or house not given back in good condition then no deposit given back to the tenant.
Christian Sciberras
Nov 14th 2011, 09:59
"Ms Pisani said it was positive, however, that the advert was shared on social networking sites, showing, perhaps, that there was a growing percentage of Maltese people who find this behaviour unacceptable."
What???
They share for the sake of popularity, nothing more.
LOUIS JOSEPH BORG
Nov 14th 2011, 09:31
some maltese do not rent to maltese!
so no big deal!
also if i have a flat for rent i will have my own list of people i will refuse!
Gustav Svensson
Nov 14th 2011, 09:29
I hope that this will result in a hefty fine for the real estate agent. This is racism and is not OK.
Kim Zammit Endrich
Nov 14th 2011, 09:29
I agree 100% that the landlord should decide whom can rent the place. You have to take the other residencies in the area into consideration (flat owners in the same building etc)... I myself live in Swieqi, which is supposed to be a good and POSH residential area. Unfortunately the building I live in has 3 leased apartments, on short let. You never know who's going to come leave beneath you!! I have had my fair share of different races, but I do emphasise on the fact that the arabs were not a problem in the least. The only thing that bugged me was that they kept their apartment door open all hours of the day (and night), it is probably some kind of custom of theirs. The people I had trouble with, were Russians and Serbs. I do not want to stereotype these people, as I myself know people of these nationalities who are very nice and well mannered. Unfortunately, the tenants below my flat were not. They were so noisy, vulgar and dirty!! You'd think we were living in some slum area not swieqi. I complained to their landlord many times, and at least he did take some action.
So, to be fair, I do agree that people should have the right to pick the people they want to lease their residence to. If only for the neighbours benefit!
Patricia Saliba
Nov 14th 2011, 18:15
Swieqi POSH! where did that idea come from, its like a concrete jungle like most areas here and because people live in Swieqi dosent make them so called POSH, what is POSH? someone enlighten me please?
you get different nationalities in every area of Malta so no one area is Posh its only what the selected few like to believe in, posh indeed. Now argue on this point! No malice to Kim Zammit Endrich meant by what i havesaid just my opinion.
Kim Zammit Endrich
Nov 15th 2011, 08:10
Excuse me Ms. Saliba, I did not IN ANY WAY refer to MYSELF as POSH! My home town is Birkirkara, which definitely does not make me posh in any way, and I have lived in a number of other places including Attard and pembroke. A posh area is defined by the prices and quality of properties. I am sure that an apartment in Swieqi would cost much more than one in, say Qormi. Why?? Because people like to show their status. I am sure that all the people living in villas around here make this AREA posh. In my opinion it is a pity that people are allowd to rent a place with no consideration given to their neighbours. The rent is very high in this area, which would take a lot of people mentioned in my comment, to pool in for. That is why you will get a 2 bedroomed flat occupied with 4 or 5 people. And a large number of people in one flat will be noisy all hours of the day. People who live in countries where it is not custom to be cautious when making noise, will not take into consideration their tired neighbours when partying outside in their patio late at night. Did i argue enough?
Patricia Saliba
Nov 15th 2011, 18:18
in a reply to Kim Endrich i wasnt on here to argue my dear just staing a fact if thats okj with you free speech and all that, because people have a swimmiung pool etc etc etc does not make one posh, and i didnt say you were posh, read into what is put on not jump to conclusions as so many do.
JJ Debono
Nov 14th 2011, 09:24
It not only in Malta, but *Gozo* is another, many farm house owner just do not like renting to Maltese, but would prefer foreigners as oppose to Maltese, most of them tell us that we are dirty and noisey people. If thats not discrimination against their main sister island, then i don't know what is.
Maria Muscat
Nov 14th 2011, 15:20
that is based on fact have you ever seen what the Maltese youths do to Gozo during a brief 4 day period at carnival period trust me i would be cautious about renting under those circumstances as well (especially considering its a property of a much higher value, and any damage sustained would mopst likely be astronimical
Mr Kevin Zammit
Nov 14th 2011, 09:07
The advert said "or young boys" ... obviously referring to Maltese teenagers. Do you blame the owner for not wanting people on low income that technically should have short visas and Maltese teenagers who will give them a hard time to pay while bringing in trouble?
Maria Muscat
Nov 14th 2011, 12:16
yes because only young boys and people with dark skin will be difficult regarding collecting the rent....and at 300 euro a month what type of people does the landlord pretend to attract, it is going to be those from the lower class that is factual, those indiviuals with minimum wage, surviving on welfare or foreigners (Europeans included) who are barely getting by.
Duncan Tanti
Nov 14th 2011, 09:06
I was refused a lease you know why????Nobody is going to believe this,because I have 2 kids.When the owner saw them he went crazy and all this in my own country....
Reinhard Azzopardi
Nov 14th 2011, 13:27
And i understand the landlord too. Kids can wreak havoc! Loveable and cute but they're destructive too.
Kristina Cassar
Nov 14th 2011, 09:06
You get this type of discrimination in every country. I found it very difficult to rent an apartment in France because I am not French and this is coming from a so-called very tolerant country!
Anthony Azzopardi
Nov 14th 2011, 09:02
You earn a reputation. How many of these do-gooders are ready to rent them their own property? If so would they please come forward?
David Caruana
Nov 14th 2011, 08:28
I'm not surpsirsed at all. I was personally refused rental of an apartment because I am Maltese, and this from a Maltese owner! Apparently the guy wanted only foreigners from northern countries.
Mr Neville A Cassar
Nov 14th 2011, 09:10
You were refused rental as rental laws protect Maltese citizens from eviction. Even if you dont pay the rent due, if you have a family, the law protects you from eviction. Its not being discriminated against, it is because the law doesnt protect the landlord from abuse of this clause from potential fraudsters.
Mr mike Knight
Nov 14th 2011, 09:18
Funny you should say that i too was refused renting an apartment in Bournemouth south of England cause i was they told me either Cypriot, Maltese or Sicilian, they had also refused Black people or dark skinned people and Irish. These were upper nosed English i presume and since then i hated the British ever since, after what we have done for them during the 1940's as Maltese citizens, absolutly way out of order and i shall never forget it along with many of other Maltese who experienced the same treatment in the UK mainly Portsmouth and London. I too have an opinion and speak my mind in a free country such as ours.
Sarah Gatt
Nov 14th 2011, 09:21
foreigners from northern countries you say? haha, i wonder why....
Joe B Edwards
Nov 14th 2011, 10:33
When the government gives the Maltese land lord\lady the rights to evict whomever he\she wants then maybe Maltese people would be able to find more places to rent.
Mango Charlie
Nov 14th 2011, 16:58
That's another reason Mr.Knight why i never even mix with the British let alone invite the anglos in my house, over here they pretend to be our friends, yet when a maltese is in their country the tide turns completely opposite, to them wee are just dark skin foreigners
Mark Blackburn
Nov 14th 2011, 08:06
(Last year, the NCPE published a study showing that racial discrimination is “common” when looking for a place to rent or buy. “The majority of respondents who experiences discrimination on the basis of race/ethnic origin, claimed to have been discriminated against in the sphere of accomodation. In all cases, the perpetrator of the discrimination was the potential landlord.”
" The discriminator was the potential landlord "
Discrimination or not, the landlord should have every right to refuse renting out his / her property to anybody that displeases him / her.
What next ?.........
Reinhard Azzopardi
Nov 14th 2011, 08:27
I agree. The landlord owns the damn place and should have the final word on who to rent his property to. however, I believe that the statement could have been left out of the advert. It hurts. The landlord can easily refuse to rent the property by telling the person concerned that it has been already taken. That way, no feelings will be hurt. They are, after all, human beings.
Andrew Azzopardi
Nov 14th 2011, 09:54
@ Reinhard Azzopardi
I agree. Whilst the landlord may have his own good reasons, one should be more circumspect, and avoid giving offence unnecessarily. From my personal experience, this sort of thing is widespread in all countries, but people have learnt to be discreet.
Ms Alison Bagley
Nov 14th 2011, 10:48
Absolutely, it just proves, sadly, honesty isn't always approved of.
Carmelo Aquilina
Nov 14th 2011, 10:51
so it's OK to be racist guys as long as we don't say it openly...wow lying and hypocrisy is added to the mix....!
Maria Muscat
Nov 14th 2011, 11:11
'Discrimination or not, the landlord should have every right to refuse renting out his / her property to anybody that displeases him / her.' your statement is incorrect in the sense that the landlord generalised which is obviously the incorrect and irresponsible manner to conduct buisness. If the landlord does not wish to rent he can refuse when contacted however he/she cannot use a real estate agency to incite racial hatred and division, this just breeds more ignorance and will open the door for more people to act this way...this is behaviour from the early 19th century; the time when signs on the door said 'no blacks allowed' is this mentality we really want to return to!!!!
O R Busuttil
Nov 14th 2011, 11:20
True, the landlord owns the place and the final decision is his but the comment is racist and unfair. Discrimination is always wrong! The selection criteria could be, for example, minimum of six months working with a fixed contract and a guarantee of 2 (or more) months’ rent in advance. That is how it’s done in other countries, simple and effective. I am sure that if a black couple shows up in a big fancy car, all dressed up, smelling of expensive scents and offers to pay 2 months in advance the landlord would have no problem in renting them the place. Racism and discrimination go hand in hand with hypocrisy.
Peter Bonello
Nov 14th 2011, 11:29
I agree 100%, the owner should have every right to publish that he/she does not one a particular ethnic group of people in his/her property!!
Peter Murray
Nov 14th 2011, 11:33
Dear Alison,
Is honesty the issue here?As isn't discrimination and breaking the law minor considerations?Would it be ok perhaps to say no single females-as used to happen sometimes in the UK in the late 50.s and early 60.s -also no IRISH! Or was that being too honest as well ?
ALISON BAGLEY
Nov 14th 2011, 12:38
Dear Peter,
I'm not saying that what this landlord said was kind but surely it is his right to decide to whom he rents his property? What are his rights?
ALISON BAGLEY
Nov 14th 2011, 12:46
I think if someone were forced into renting a property against their will (whether their will is p.c. or not). This situation will only create tension & more problems.