Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond
Renting · Benefits
Benefits and your landlord
No DSSunlawful
Affordabilityfair checks
Directpayments
Honestyhelps
In short: In the past, some tenants hid that they claimed Housing Benefit or Universal Credit because of "No DSS" policies. Since 1 May 2026, landlords and agents in England can't refuse tenants because they receive benefits, though they can still check affordability fairly. Being open is usually the better route: you can show your entitlement, and if needed ask for the housing element to be paid directly to the landlord (managed payments) where you're eligible. Misleading a landlord can also cause problems with referencing. Fraser Bond welcomes tenants receiving benefits.
Frequently asked questions
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Can a landlord refuse me for claiming benefits?
Not as a blanket policy since May 2026.
Can rent be paid directly to my landlord?
In some circumstances, via a managed payment.
