New homes

New anti-discrimination laws

The Renters’ Rights Bill introduces new protections aimed at tackling discrimination in the private rented sector. These measures are designed to ensure that all prospective and current tenants are treated fairly, regardless of their background or circumstances.

What you need to know

  • Discrimination based on benefits or family status is banned.

  • Landlords must treat all applicants fairly and equally.

  • Advertising and selection processes must be inclusive and transparent.

  • Non-compliance could lead to legal action or reputational damage.

Key changes include

  • Outlawing blanket bans on renting to families with children or people receiving benefits.
  • Strengthening enforcement of anti-discrimination laws in the rental market.
  • Improving transparency in how tenants are selected.

This will be enforced by

  • Making it explicitly illegal to discriminate against benefit recipients.
  • Allowing affected tenants to seek redress through the courts or ombudsman.
  • Landlords can still refuse a tenant on the basis of  affordability, but not on the basis that the prospective tenant is in receipt of benefits.

The new rules mean

  • Local councils will be able to impose civil penalties on landlords and anyone acting directly or indirectly on their behalf up to £7,000 for breaches.

  • Landlords and letting agents can receive multiple civil penalties for continued and repeat breaches.

  • Tenants will be able to pursue a breach through their local council and seek redress through the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman and letting agent redress schemes.

Got a question about your rental property?

If you have any questions for our team about the Renters' Rights Bill and what it means for you as a landlord, please contact your nearest lettings branch or fill in your details below and we'll get back to you. 

Kelsey Foster
Dunmow
Chelmsford
Intercounty staff