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The Renters’ Rights Bill introduces new protections aimed at tackling discrimination in the private rented sector. These measures are designed to ensure that all prospective and current tenants are treated fairly, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Key takeaways
What you need to know
Discrimination based on benefits or family status is banned.
Landlords must treat all applicants fairly and equally.
Advertising and selection processes must be inclusive and transparent.
Non-compliance could lead to legal action or reputational damage.
What's changing?
While existing equality laws already prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, disability, or religion, the Renters’ Rights Bill goes further by addressing indirect and systemic discrimination in rental practices.
Key changes include
No More “No DSS” Policies
The Renters' Rights Bill formal prohibition of so-called No DSS policies—where landlords or agents refuse to consider tenants on housing benefits. This ensures that all applicants are assessed on their individual merits, not their source of income.
This will be enforced by
Children and families
The Bill also addresses discrimination against families with children, a group often excluded from rental opportunities.
Landlords will no longer be able to
Enforcement of anti-discrimination laws
The Renters’ Rights Bill introduces new enforcement powers to ensure landlords and agents comply with anti-discrimination measures. These rules are designed to protect prospective tenants and ensure fair access to housing.
The new rules mean
Local councils will be able to impose civil penalties on landlords and anyone acting directly or indirectly on their behalf up to £7,000 for breaches.
Landlords and letting agents can receive multiple civil penalties for continued and repeat breaches.
Tenants will be able to pursue a breach through their local council and seek redress through the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman and letting agent redress schemes.