The Workplace Relations Commission ruled that the landlord, Muhammad Naeem Aslam, had breached the Equal Status Act 2000 by discriminating against Ayodeji Saanu by refusing to accept a HAP payment as well as victimising him over the same issue.

Just 24 properties were available within HAP limits across 16 parts of the country last month, a 25 per cent drop since June.

The Workplace Relations Commission ruled that the owner of an apartment in Cork city had breached the Equal Status Act over his refusal to sign the HAP form.

The quarterly report shows that just 32 properties were available to rent within the HAP scheme.

Marianna Broughan, 37, lives in a rented property in Athy, Co Kildare with her five-year-old daughter and seven-year-old son.

The Workplace Relations Commission ruled that the landlord had breached the Equal Status Act by discriminating against his tenant