The federal ombudsperson for protection against harassment has declared restrictions on renting homes to bachelors and single individuals illegal and unconstitutional, in a ruling that could affect housing practices across the country.
Federal Ombudsperson Fauzia Waqar issued the decision while hearing a complaint from a woman who said she was denied a rental home only because she was single. The ruling stated that any policy stopping a person from renting a residential property on the basis of marital status is unlawful.
Discrimination violates basic rights
According to the findings, the woman also faced harassment after basic utilities such as electricity and water were deliberately disconnected. The ombudsperson ruled that denying someone a home due to gender or marital status violates constitutional guarantees, including equality, dignity and the freedom to reside.
The observations have been shared with federal and provincial authorities, rent controllers, housing regulators and local governments for implementation. The complainant’s issue has been resolved and the case has been formally closed.
For years, many unmarried individuals searching for housing in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have faced refusal from landlords, who often prefer renting to families. As a result, many singles say they are pushed into hostels or shared spaces they would not otherwise choose.
Ali Saleem, an employee at an IT firm in Islamabad, said he spent months searching for a rental portion. He said property dealers repeatedly showed him houses, but once he selected a place, he was told the owner would not rent to a bachelor. He said the experience left him frustrated and limited his housing options.
The ruling is expected to send a clear message to landlords and property agents that denying housing on personal grounds is not permitted.
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