Discrimination and Tenant Selection

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduces specific anti-discrimination provisions for the private rented sector, in addition to existing equality law protections.

Benefits discrimination banned:

• You cannot refuse to let to someone because they receive benefits
• You cannot state "No DSS", "No Housing Benefit", "No Universal Credit" or similar in advertisements
• You cannot instruct agents to filter out benefit recipients

Family discrimination banned:

• You cannot refuse to let to someone because they have children
• You cannot advertise "No children" or "Professionals only" (if intended to exclude families)

What you CAN still do:

• Conduct affordability assessments based on total income (including benefits)
• Require income to be a multiple of rent (e.g., 2.5x) regardless of source
• Refuse tenants who fail referencing on legitimate grounds

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 also bans rental bidding:

• You cannot invite or encourage prospective tenants to offer above the advertised rent
• You cannot accept offers above the asking rent if tenants have been encouraged to bid
• You must advertise a fixed rent amount

• Civil penalties up to £7,000 for discriminatory practices
• Civil penalties up to £40,000 for serious or repeated breaches
• Complaints to the PRS Ombudsman
• Potential county court claims for discrimination