'No benefits' and 'no children' discrimination when renting
Can landlords refuse to rent to families?
It is against the law for landlords or letting agent to discriminate against families with children.
This includes families with foster children.
Table: Is it 'no kids' discrimination?
| What the landlord or agent tells you | Can they do this? |
|---|---|
| 'No children' or 'no families' | No. This is against the law |
| The property is too small for a family | As long as the property is not overcrowded it can be rented to a family |
| Landlord's mortgage does not allow families with children | No. All buy to let mortgages should allow families |
| Landlord's insurance does not allow families with children | It depends. Policies that started on or after 1 May 2026 should allow families |
Are there exceptions?
Landlords and agents can sometimes decide not to rent to you if they have a fair reason.
A fair reason could be:
you cannot afford the property
the property is too small for your family
the property is not suitable for other reasons
For example, some housing for older people is for over 55s only.
A landlord cannot say that a family with children will cause more wear and tear. That is not a fair reason.
If the landlord says the property is too small
Check if the property would be overcrowded by law.
Tell the landlord or agent if you think they're wrong. For example, if they say the property is too small but you do not agree.
Example: 'No kids' discrimination
Frida has 2 boys aged 15 and 12.
Frida calls a landlord about a small 2 bedroom flat she has seen.
The landlord says the property is not big enough and they cannot rent to her.
The landlord can refuse to rent if it means Frida and her family are overcrowded.
But in overcrowding law, this flat is big enough. This could be discrimination.
Check guidance for landlords
GOV.UK has guidance on renting to people with children.
Last updated: 1 May 2026
