'No benefits' and 'no children' discrimination when renting
What is benefits discrimination?
Examples of landlord or agent discrimination include:
advertising a home as 'no DSS' or 'professionals only'
saying they do not rent to people on benefits
saying you cannot view a property because you get benefits, even if you can afford it
Discrimination if you get benefits is sometimes called 'DSS discrimination' or 'No DSS'.
Table: What counts as benefits discrimination?
| What the landlord or agent tells you | Can they do this? |
|---|---|
| 'No benefits' or 'no DSS' | No. This is against the law |
| You cannot afford the property | Landlords and agents can check what you can afford but must include benefits as income |
| Landlord's mortgage does not allow tenants on benefits | No. All buy to let mortgages should allow people claiming benefits |
| Landlord's insurance does not allow tenants on benefits | It depends. Policies that started on or after 1 May 2026 should allow tenants claiming benefits |
Can a landlord refuse to rent to you?
Landlords or agents can refuse to rent a place that is not suitable. For example, if you cannot afford it.
Work out costs to show you can afford the property. Include costs like utility bills, insurance and council tax as well as rent.
Landlords and agents must include benefits as income when they check if you can afford the property.
Example: Benefits discrimination
Salim finds a house to rent.
It's the right size and affordable for Salim and his family. He calls the agent to book a viewing.
Salim mentions he gets disability benefits. The agent tells him the landlord only rents to professionals and cancels the viewing.
This is discrimination and is against the law. The landlord and agent cannot refuse to rent to someone just because they claim benefits.
If you do not know how much your benefits should be, use a benefits calculator:
Check guidance for landlords
GOV.UK has guidance for landlords on renting to people who get benefits.
Last updated: 1 May 2026
