Landlords use property websites to discriminate against people receiving benefits

Several cases of this vile and reprehensible practice have been reported.

According to a BBC investigation, two real estate websites have been accused of helping owners discriminate against people who receive benefits.

Eight out of 10 listings on SpareRoom and OpenRent reportedly said that people with benefits will not be considered tenants, with phrases like “No DSS” or “professionals only.”

In July 2020, a judge ruled that general bans on renting to people with housing benefits are illegal and discriminatory, based on the Equality Act of 2010.

In response to the BBC investigation, SpareRoom and OpenRent said they are working to address the issues. However, both websites currently have checkbox options that allow owners to exclude people from benefits.

The news was discussed on Sunday’s Money Box program, which featured Maryam Ahmed, the BBC News data scientist and co-author of the BBC report, and John Stewart, deputy director for policy and research at the National Homeowners Association. Residential (NRLA).

Stewart said landlords shouldn’t enforce a blanket ban on renting to people with benefits. However, people’s ability to pay rent should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

He added that many landlords are wary of the benefits system, rather than the people receiving benefits, as issues include waiting five weeks before a Universal Credit claim is paid, as well as paying rent to the tenant instead of the owner.

Rightmove and Zoopla have already taken steps to ban “NO DSS” ads.

Discrimination against people with benefits is illegal and must be reported.

Discriminatory practices are not unrelated to the UK real estate market. However, this does not mean that they should continue to occur. From forbidding tenants to have pets to avoid renting property to those who receive social benefits from the government, these practices are deplorable and undermine the British’s goodwill.

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is responsible for dealing with complaints related to tenant discrimination. If you or someone you know is being discriminated against by a landlord, report it, do not allow these vile practices to continue to occur!

For more information on reporting landlords’ discrimination, visit the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) website: https://www.nrla.org.uk/.

HICH LTD has revolutionized the property survey market since day one! Are you looking for a roof, structural, or bespoke survey? Request it here!

Follow us on our social networks to keep up to date with the most relevant property market news, tips for being a responsible homeowner, and much more!

Twitter: @HichLTD

Facebook: HICH-LTD