7th
Nov 2022
London’s Richmond council has joined forces with Citizen’s Advice charity to put an end to landlord ‘discrimination’ in refusing to consider prospective tenants on benefits.
The council claims that every year large numbers of people are being treated unfairly by PRS landlords because of receiving benefits helping them to pay housing costs.
Research by Richmond’s Citizens Advice branch finds that many landlords and letting agents will not consider potential tenants if on benefits.
The council also claims that hopeful renters receiving benefits often face a ‘No DSS’ (Department for Social Security), ‘No Universal Credit’, or ‘No Benefits’ policy despite being able to prove they are able to afford the monthly rent.
The charity and council’s joint campaign to ‘End Benefit Prejudice’ against tenants is to make sure landlords and letting agents are fully aware that by refusing to house benefit claimants is discriminatory and unlawful.
Over 40 per cent of Richmond residents receiving benefits also have jobs.
Lorna Reid, chief executive of Citizens Advice Richmond, says: “We know that long-standing myths about tenants receiving benefits are standing in the way of Richmond residents accessing the homes they need and can afford. We are calling on landlords and their letting agents to keep an open mind and treat all prospective renters fairly.
“Too many local people come to us unaware that the barriers they face finding a safe and suitable home are discriminatory and unlawful. This campaign will share stories of good tenants, with regular, reliable income who can afford the rent being asked and will pay on time and show landlords there is no reason to discriminate.”
Councillor Jim Millard, council spokesperson for housing, agrees: “All residents need fair and equal opportunities to rent local homes and should not be excluded simply because they receive some form of benefits. We are calling on landlords to assess tenants’ ability to pay as fairly as possible and to avoid discriminating against them.”
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