Landlords trying to halt Northern Ireland's black and Chinese communities moving into their houses face punishment under new anti-racism plans unveiled today.
Amid reports of quotas on the number of immigrants being allowed to move into parts of Belfast, Housing Executive bosses are attempting a major crack down.
Chief Executive Paddy McIntyre said: "We have been appalled by examples of private rented properties being advertised on the basis that people from different ethnic groups would not be suitable tenants.
"Regardless of the motivation this cannot be right and it is imperative that we tackle these issues together."
With loyalist paramilitaries believed to be warning estate agents against accepting Asians and Africans, moves to strengthen legislation are at the centre of new strategy proposals.
The draft Race Relations Policy, focusing on minority groups and bidding to end rising levels of harassment and intimidation, has been put out for public consultation until March 31st.
Racial incidents reported to police in Northern Ireland have also surged by 500 per cent since 1999 (from 93 to 453 last year).
PA