Upile Chasowa who lives in Wood Green, is challenging landlords to let homes to prospective tenants claiming benefits.

Chasowa, 23, who grew up in a Council house, has himself been turned away by landlords when trying to rent in the private sector.

He has recently teamed up with a charity, Fixers, that provides help and support for 16 to 25 year olds with any problems that they may have to face. He has since produced two online booklets to assist the age group.

He said: “When I was younger, my family moved into a council house after my mum was made redundant. It was very difficult for us to get ourselves back into private housing after that. It wasn’t until I’d graduated and found a job that we were able to rent privately.”

There are two "e-booklets" and one is for private landlords encouraging them to allow more people on low incomes or benefits to rent their properties. The second one is for tenants, giving them much needed tips on how to manage their finances properly within their budget. There are also tips on buying inexpensive foods to keep them fit and healthy and also making best use of their space.

Professor Sara Chandler, who specialises in landlord and tenant law at London South Bank University, is a strong supporter of Chasowa’s campaign.

She said: “Landlords' misconceptions really need myth-busting. Some think that people on housing benefit might trash their property, but nothing could be further from the truth.

“They would like professionals but often that means they will only stay for a short time and every time the tenants change the landlord is going to be incurring expense.”

Mr. Chasowa added: “My aim is to remove this perception around tenants on low income.

“Eight months ago I sent up my own online letting company. A lot of the tenants on benefits, when they got hold of the landlords, it was literally just a straight no. Not all of them are bad tenants – look at me.”