From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act introduces new rules to make renting fairer and more transparent. One of the key changes focuses on how tenants are selected.
How This Affects Your Rental Property
Landlords will no longer be able to apply blanket bans against:
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Tenants with children
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Tenants in receipt of benefits
Key points:
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Applications must be assessed on an individual basis
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Any refusal must be based on objective criteria, such as affordability or referencing
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Discriminatory wording (e.g. blanket restrictions) must not be used in marketing or tenancy agreements
Failure to comply with these rules may result in enforcement action or financial penalties.
For managed tenancies, we will ensure all marketing, referencing, and tenancy documentation remains compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can landlords refuse tenants with children?
No, blanket bans are not permitted. Each application must be assessed individually.
2. Can landlords refuse tenants in receipt of benefits?
No, blanket bans are not allowed. Decisions must be based on objective criteria such as affordability.
3. Can landlords still carry out referencing checks?
Yes, affordability and referencing checks remain essential and are permitted.
4. What is considered discrimination?
Refusing tenants based on characteristics such as having children or receiving benefits, without proper justification.
5. Can adverts include restrictions like “No DSS” or “No children”?
No, this type of wording is not permitted.
6. How should landlords make decisions on applicants?
Applications should be assessed on a case-by-case basis using clear, objective criteria.
7. What are the risks of non-compliance?
Failure to comply may result in enforcement action or financial penalties.
8. Can tenants challenge decisions?
Yes, tenants may challenge decisions they believe are discriminatory.