'DSS' is a term that refers to the Department for Social Security, which was renamed in 2001. Within the context of rented housing, it is understood to refer to tenants who claim any kind of state benefit – especially housing benefit (LHA) or Universal Credit (UC).
Although the Department for Social Security has been renamed, the phrase 'DSS' has endured – much like a car service being called an MOT despite the Ministry of Transport being renamed in 1970.
Advertising ‘No DSS’ is generally prohibited by the Renters Rights Act 2025. There is a very limited exemption that landlords can rely on to advertise ‘No DSS’. This is if the landlord is subject to an insurance contract that was entered into prior to 1st May 2026 and contains a term that prevents the landlord from renting to benefits tenants. Landlords cannot rely on insurance contracts entered into after 1st May 2026 or renewals of insurance contracts after 1st May 2026.
DSS and OpenRent
At OpenRent, we have no public or tacit policies against tenants who claim benefits. We never advise landlords not to select tenants who claim the benefits they are entitled to. We recommend that landlords consider all prospective tenants on their individual circumstances and offer tenancy creation support to all landlords, including detailed guidance on how to make tenancies work when tenants fail referencing.
We do allow landlords to list their property as ' DSS Income preferred' so that tenants on benefits are able to quickly identify properties where there is a preference for benefits tenants
Enquiries from benefit claimants are always passed onto landlords. We are the only letting agent that lets thousands of properties across the UK every year to tenants in receipt of benefits with no admin or agency fees.