By Neal Broverman

Originally published on Advocate.com July 03 2012 2:48 PM ET

People placing classified ads for flatmates in the United Kingdom should be advised the practice is illegal, warns The Telegraph.

The Equality Act of 2010 barred anyone renting or subleting a property from “discriminat[ing] against or victimiz[ing]” interested parties based on their religion, race, age, marital status, sexuality or physical ability. As part of that, people are no longer allowed to specifically request a gay roommate or one based on other factors like ethnicity or age. A discrimination lawyer reminds readers that such an request, usually made through a classified ad, could lead to a discrimination complaint.

Roommate-seekers in Britian are encouraged to place classified ads that describe themselves, which can help attract those comfortable with an LGBT person. Read more here.