DNP How to find landlords and agents who accept benefits
Check adverts on:
property websites
social media groups
local online forums
How much rent help you can get
Check your local housing allowance rate so you can search for properties you can afford.
LHA rates are used to work out universal credit or housing benefit amounts for private renters. You may get less if you work.
Show your renting history
If you already pay rent to a private landlord and claim benefits, get bank statements and references to show a good rent payment history.
Speak to your council
Some councils have lists of private landlords who rent to tenants claiming benefits.
Your council should usually help you find somewhere to live if:
you are sofa surfing
you get an eviction notice
you're facing homelessness
This can include help to find a private tenancy you can afford.
You could get a discretionary housing payment from the council to help with a deposit, rent in advance or rent payments.
More about homeless help from the council.
Check the Help to Rent database
The homeless charity Crisis has a database with schemes that help people find a private tenancy.
Most schemes are for single people who are homeless or facing homelessness.
Some also give support once you have a private rented home.
Contact letting agents
Many private landlords use agents to rent out their properties.
Agents look after viewings and tenancies for the landlord.
Agents cannot charge you for viewings, checks or tenancy agreements.
'No DSS' policies
It is against the law for landlords and agents to say they will not rent to you because you claim benefits.
'No DSS' policies and adverts are unlawful discrimination.
You can complain if:
you see 'no DSS' adverts
an agent will not deal with you because you get benefits
Find out how to challenge DSS discrimination.
Find a guarantor
You might be asked for a rent guarantor.
A guarantor agrees to pay your rent if you do not pay. They sign an agreement.
A guarantor is usually one of your relatives.
The landlord or letting agent usually checks that your guarantor can afford to pay your rent.
Credit checks
Landlords and agents can only do a 'soft search' of your credit record.
They can only see information that is already public.
They need your permission and you cannot be charged for it.
Credit searches do not show if you have missed rent payments in the past. But they usually show if you are bankrupt or have court orders (CCJs) that say you owe money.
Be honest if you do not think you'll pass a credit check.
Find out about renting with a poor credit history.
Rent in advance
Landlords sometimes do not want tenants who claim benefits because benefits are paid after rent is due.
Some tenants offer to pay landlords rent in advance before the tenancy starts.
Your landlord can only accept up to 1 month's rent in advance. It must be used as your first rent payment.
If you need help with rent in advance or a deposit
Find out about options if you cannot afford rent in advance or a deposit.
Protect yourself when you pay money
Do not set up a bank transfer until:
you have signed a tenancy agreement
you're sure the tenancy is going ahead
Never pay cash and always ask for a receipt.
More on protecting yourself when handing over money.
Last updated: 1 May 2026
