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What is No DSS discrimination?
Last verified 31 October 2026
No DSS discrimination means a landlord or agent in England cannot refuse to rent to someone because they receive benefits or have children. GOV.UK describes rental discrimination as unfair treatment of private renters who have children or receive benefits.
Why it matters to landlords
GOV.UK's tenant overview says landlords cannot refuse to rent to tenants who are on benefits or have children, and also cannot discriminate based on protected characteristics under the Equality Act. The ban comes from the Renters' Rights Act 2025, and GOV.UK has published guidance for councils on it.
That does not stop you assessing affordability. Treat each applicant the same way: ask every applicant for the same references and proof of income, record why you chose the tenant you chose, and do not write blanket phrases such as no benefits in listings or messages. Keep your criteria in writing. Guidance for other UK nations differs.
Example
Jade advertises a two-bed in Doncaster. Two applicants have passed referencing: one works full time, the other receives Universal Credit and has two children. She applies the same affordability and reference checks to both, picks the one with the best reference, and records why in a note.