Tenant right
Refusing tenants on benefits is a criminal offence
'No DSS' policies are now a criminal offence. Landlords and agents cannot refuse a tenancy solely because an applicant receives Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.
What this means
Advertising a property as 'no DSS', 'working tenants only', or refusing to consider an applicant because they receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or any other welfare payment is now a criminal offence under the Renters' Rights Act 2026.
Who it applies to
Both landlords and letting agents are covered. It applies to advertising, application filtering, and any point in the tenancy process. Blanket instructions from landlords to agents to filter out benefit claimants are also unlawful.
Penalties
A landlord or agent convicted of this offence can face an unlimited fine. Local councils and the PRS Ombudsman can also investigate and impose civil penalties.
If you have been refused
Keep evidence of the refusal — a screenshot of the listing, an email, or notes of a phone call. Report it to your local council's housing team and seek advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice.
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