Discrimination against tenants on benefits or with children

Benefits and children: choosing tenants fairly

You cannot discriminate against prospective tenants who receive benefits or who have children.

’No DSS’ is unlawful

You cannot discriminate against prospective tenants who receive benefits or who have children.

It covers the whole process

Adverts, viewings and the choice between applicants.

Affordability still counts

What you can do is assess every applicant the same way.

Write one set of criteria

The same affordability and referencing for every applicant.

Apply it to everyone

And record the result per application.

Keep the decision with the application

So a choice can be explained later.

Where it sits

Rules summarised from the government’s Renters’ Rights Act overview for landlords (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/renters-rights-act-an-overview-for-landlords), published 1 May 2026. This is not legal advice; where a tenancy is unusual, take advice.

LetBuddy’s applications and referencing hold each applicant’s details and outcome under the listing. The criteria, and the decision, are yours.

Common questions

Can I refuse a tenant because they are on benefits?

No, not because they receive benefits.

Can I still check affordability?

Yes — assess every applicant on the same basis.

Does it apply to agents?

Yes, to landlords and agents alike.

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