# **Enhanced Protection Against Discrimination for Tenants, 2025**

From **1 May 2026**, the [Renters’ Rights Act 2025](/renters-rights) gives tenants stronger protection against rental discrimination in England. Landlords and letting agents must not treat prospective tenants unfairly because they **receive benefits** or **have children**.

## **What are the Enhanced Protections for Tenants under the Renters' Rights Act?**

### **1. Prohibition of Discrimination Based on Benefits**

Landlords and letting agents are explicitly prohibited from discriminating against tenants who receive:

- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Disability benefits
- Other forms of state support

This means landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone solely because they receive benefits, a practice often referred to as “No DSS” discrimination

### **2. Prohibition of Discrimination Based on Familial Status**

The Act reinforces protections for families by:

- Banning discrimination against tenants with children under 18
- Ensuring that familial status is not used as a reason to deny rental applications

### **3. Broader Anti-Discrimination Measures**

The legislation aligns with the Equality Act 2010, ensuring that tenants are protected from discrimination based on:

- Race
- Gender
- Disability
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
- Age
- Marital or civil partnership status

## **What is the impact on the Housing Sector** 

### **1. Equal Opportunity**

These reforms aim to create a level playing field in the rental market, ensuring that all tenants—regardless of income source or family structure—have equal access to housing.

### **2. Inclusivity and Diversity**

By removing discriminatory barriers, the bill promotes a more inclusive rental environment, encouraging landlords to consider a wider range of applicants and fostering diverse communities

## **Enforcement and Compliance** 

### **1. Legal Recourse for Tenants**

Tenants who believe they’ve been discriminated against can:

- File complaints with the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman
- Seek redress through civil courts
- Report violations to local authorities, who now have enhanced enforcement powers

### **2. Landlord Obligations and Penalties**

Landlords must:

- Comply with anti-discrimination laws
- Maintain records of their tenant selection process
- Face fines, licence revocation, or legal action for non-compliance

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 marks a significant step forward in protecting tenants from unfair treatment. By strengthening anti-discrimination provisions and improving enforcement mechanisms, the bill ensures that everyone has a fair chance to secure safe, stable housing, regardless of their financial or familial circumstances.

## Latest blogs

See more of our blogs on [Renters' Rights ](/blog/cat/renters-rights)

- [New rental property register: What landlords need to know](/blog/new-rental-property-register-what-landlords-need-to-know)
- [Why now is a good time to review your rental income](/blog/why-now-is-a-good-time-to-review-your-rental-income)
- [UK rents are rising: What it means for landlords and renters](/blog/bloguk-rental-market-remains-strong-2026)
- [Renters’ Rights act penalties and enforcement explained](/blog/renters-rights-act-penalties-and-enforcement-explained)