A lettings agent has been dismissed following a secret recording.

The agent reportedly described people on benefits as “dross.”

The conversation, recorded by an activist group, appears to go against both the Equality Act of 2010 and the new Renters Rights Act which outlaws discrimination against tenants on benefits.

The Leeds Live news website reports that Parklane Properties, with two offices in the city, described the issue as “an isolated incident”, adding that the agent’s comments were “completely unacceptable”. 

The Acorn renters’ union, which made the secret recording of the telephone call and went on to share it on social media, then filmed a visit to one of the agency’s offices. Again, this recording too was shared on social media.

West Yorkshire police attended the office after there was an alleged altercation between the activists and an agency representative.

The agency’s statement to local media says: “Parklane Properties sincerely regrets this isolated incident involving the personal prejudice of one employee who is no longer with the business.

“We would like to make it absolutely clear that the comments made by this individual are completely unacceptable and in no way aligned with the values, principles, or standards of our company.

“We operate an inclusive organisation that does not discriminate against any individual regardless of their background.

“We took swift action as soon as the matter was brought to our attention, as we have a zero-tolerance approach towards discriminatory behaviour or language of any kind.

“Our organisation is a long established and respectable operator in the living sector and we work closely with the local authority to provide accommodation and support for hundreds of tenants from all financial backgrounds. 

“We are very active in supporting our local community through a number of initiatives including the long established Parklane Foundation for disadvantaged people.

“This isolated incident does not reflect the ethos of our organisation, nor the standards we expect from anyone representing us. Appropriate measures have been implemented to ensure that this is not repeated.

“By its own admission, Accorn ‘stormed and occupied’ our offices with forceful entry that was intimidating to our team. 

“This was totally unacceptable to the point where the Police were called for protection. Any organisations should champion its values by modelling the same behaviour it expects from others.”

Landlord Today has approached the agency for any additional comment.

You can see the full Leeds Live report here: https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/news/leeds-news/leeds-lettings-agent-sacked-after-34075408