Briefing: Renters (Reform) Bill and Income Discrimination

Shelter strongly welcomes the introduction of the Renters (Reform) Bill. It sets out many crucial reforms and is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for genuine change in the private rented sector. But the current version of the bill fails to address the discrimination that many renters face when trying to find a property – be it explicit “No DSS” adverts or the more informal barriers posed by rent in advance or guarantor requirements.

In order to meet the government’s ambition of creating a fairer private rented sector, the Renters (Reform) Bill must address income discrimination by:

1. Urgently bringing forward promised legislation to directly outlaw discrimination against renters in receipt of benefits, and those with children.

2. Capping the amount of rent in advance that landlords and agents can request to two months.

3. Prohibiting the use of guarantors as a pre-requisite for renting.