Well that is quite sad to know, but were you seeking an independent accommodation or a shared one? If you were looking for an independent and they turn you down like that then it could be:

1- These guys does not want to give you the house because they would be afraid that you would be asking them later for the maintenance and stuff like that where they don't want it to be a headache for them while the other people will live without even talking about it.
2- They are afraid like 'mufy' said that you would be having parties and drinks in the flat all the time, like people have nothing all the time but to drink and party everyday, every night.
3- The accommodation itself might be not good for you, some people would live anywhere because all they need is a house while the others would be having no problems in paying and would be kind of picking what is good for them.

If it is a shared one, it could be:
1- If they are Filipino or Indians they would be comfortable in sharing the accommodation with people from the same nationality. That would bring them together and would make life easy for them.
2- Speaking the same language and sharing the same problems and issues make them feel comfortable, if you get in between you will find it hard and would be like a stranger , even though they are friendly ... you will feel that way.
3- Being friends is something, being my flatmate is something different. If we can have fun together when we meet once or twice a week, then it won't be the same if we are living in the same place.
4- People from the same nationality can deal better with the problems that they might have in the accommodation.
5- Some are sharing the food and it is someone day every week too cook once, being from the same nationality would make no problems like I eat this, I don't eat that.
6- Different traditions and living habits are different, they don't want someone who is not drinking [for example] or who is drinking to be with them as well as they do or don't drink.

There are so many different reasons and in the end ... looks like everyone is sleeping on the side that makes him/her comfortable.

Filipinos want Filipinos ...
Indians want Indians ...
Lebanese want Lebanese ...
European want European ...

Best Regards

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