This landmark resolution in Catalonia follows a complaint by Hamid H’Mata, a Mataró resident who faced systematic obstacles when trying to view apartments. The case was decided under Law 19/2020, which targets discrimination in essential services.
The victim proved the discrimination through 'testing', where a local friend received immediate viewing appointments for the same properties denied to H’Mata. Despite having a stable income and living in the country for 27 years, he was repeatedly rejected due to his name.
“"What a landlord should ask for is that the tenant pays and complies. Money has no color or religion."
Supported by the DESCA Observatory, the case took two years to resolve. The ruling acknowledges moral damages, allowing the victim to seek further compensation through the court system.
