The private rented sector in England has undergone some of its biggest changes in decades. With the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, and major reforms taking effect from 1 May 2026, tenants now have stronger protections when looking for somewhere to live.
For years, many people receiving Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or other financial support have struggled to find landlords willing to consider their applications. Families with children have also faced difficulties, with some landlords placing restrictions on who can rent their properties.
The new legislation aims to change that.
At DSS Select, we believe everyone deserves a fair opportunity to find a home. Whether someone is employed, self-employed, receiving benefits or raising a family, their application should be considered fairly.
But what do these changes actually mean for tenants and landlords?
What Has Changed Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025?
One of the most important changes is the introduction of stronger protection against discrimination in the rental market.
Since 1 May 2026, landlords and letting agents in England have been prohibited from treating prospective tenants unfairly simply because they receive benefits or have children.
This means landlords and agents must not:
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Advertise properties using restrictions such as "No DSS" or "No Benefits".
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Refuse someone a viewing simply because they receive Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.
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Reject an applicant solely because they have children.
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Apply different affordability requirements because an applicant receives benefits.
These protections apply to most private assured tenancies, although limited legal exceptions exist, particularly where a property is genuinely unsuitable for children.
The principle is straightforward: every applicant deserves to be considered on their individual circumstances, rather than being judged by their source of income or family situation.
Can Landlords Still Carry Out Affordability Checks?
Absolutely. The new legislation does not mean landlords have to accept every application.
Landlords still have the right to check whether a prospective tenant can afford the rent, request references and assess whether the property is suitable.
However, affordability assessments must be fair and consistent.
For example, if a landlord requires a particular level of income, they should consider all sources of income, including wages, Universal Credit, pensions and other benefits.
Someone receiving £1,500 a month in benefits should not automatically be considered less suitable than someone earning £1,500 through employment.
What matters is whether the applicant can realistically afford the rent and sustain the tenancy.
This is an important distinction, and one that DSS Select wants to help landlords and tenants understand.
Why Fair Housing Matters
Finding a home can be difficult enough without facing unnecessary barriers.
A single parent working part-time may receive Universal Credit to supplement their wages. Someone with a disability may receive financial support. Another applicant may be temporarily unemployed but have savings or a guarantor.
None of these circumstances automatically makes someone an unsuitable tenant.
Many applicants receiving benefits are perfectly capable of maintaining a tenancy, paying their rent and looking after a property.
Equally, landlords need confidence that their rent will be paid and their properties properly maintained.
Fair housing is about recognising both sides.
It's not about removing sensible checks. It's about ensuring those checks are applied fairly and that suitable applicants aren't overlooked simply because of their circumstances.
How DSS Select Supports Fair Housing
At DSS Select, our aim is to make the private rental market more accessible, particularly for people who have traditionally found it difficult to secure accommodation.
We believe technology can help bring tenants and landlords together by focusing on the information that really matters.
Through our tenant registration platform, applicants can provide details about their housing requirements, income, preferred location and affordability.
This helps landlords and letting agents make more informed decisions based on individual circumstances.
Our approach is built around three principles:
Fair Opportunity
Every tenant should have the opportunity to be considered for suitable accommodation, whether they are employed, self-employed or receiving financial support.
Transparency
Landlords should have clear and relevant information to help them assess applications fairly, while tenants should understand what information is being requested and why.
Better Housing Matches
By understanding what tenants need and what they can afford, we aim to help landlords find suitable applicants and reduce unnecessary applications, delays and disappointment.
What Should Tenants Do If They Experience Discrimination?
If you're refused a viewing or told that a landlord doesn't accept tenants receiving benefits, you should not assume that this is permitted.
Under the new rules, landlords and letting agents may face enforcement action for unlawful rental discrimination.
If you believe you've been treated unfairly, you can:
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Keep copies of property advertisements, emails and messages.
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Ask the landlord or letting agent to explain their decision.
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Contact your local council's private housing team.
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Seek independent advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice.
Landlords and agents can face civil penalties of up to £7,000 for breaches of the rental discrimination rules.
The aim is not to prevent landlords from choosing suitable tenants. It is to ensure that decisions are made fairly and lawfully.
A Better Rental Market for Everyone
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 represents an important change in how the private rented sector operates.
For tenants, it offers greater protection against unfair treatment. For landlords, it provides an opportunity to consider a wider range of applicants while continuing to make sensible decisions about affordability and suitability.
At DSS Select, we believe a successful tenancy begins with the right match between landlord, tenant and property.
Receiving benefits or having children should never automatically close the door to finding a home.
Everyone deserves a fair opportunity.
Looking for a Property to Rent?
Whether you're working, receiving Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or other financial support, DSS Select aims to help you connect with landlords and letting agents offering suitable rental accommodation.
Register your tenant profile today at www.dssselect.co.uk and take the next step towards finding your new home.
DSS Select – Connecting Tenants and Landlords, Creating Housing Opportunities.
