The Renters' Rights Act 2025: Can A Landlord Say No To Benefits, Children Or Pets?
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 became law (Royal Assent) on 27 October 2025, and some important protections, including anti-discrimination for children and benefit claimants, and the new pet request process, are expected to come into force from 1 May 2026. From the new rules, blanket bans like "no benefits", "no children" or tenancy terms that try to ban these groups will be treated as having no effect and can be unlawful. Tenants will also have a right to request a pet, and landlords must consider requests reasonably.
What The Law Changes About Being On Benefits
Many landlords and agents used blanket policies—advertising “no DSS” or refusing viewings—because they worried about late or missed benefit payments. The Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against people because they claim benefits, including Universal Credit and legacy benefits. This means tenants should not be put off from applying, adverts or tenancy terms that say "no benefits" will be ineffective, and local authorities can act and issue penalties. Landlords can still carry out references, affordability checks, or request a guarantor, but these must be fair and not a way to exclude benefit claimants.
What About Children — Can Landlords Say “No Kids”?
Families often faced bans on children in adverts or tenancy contracts. The new law explicitly protects people with children from being unfairly blocked from renting, meaning landlords and agents cannot use blanket policies refusing families. Contracts or insurance conditions that try to ban children will not be effective if they discriminate. Landlords can still set reasonable, evidence-based rules where safety or capacity is relevant, but they must not use children as a blanket reason to refuse. If a landlord says a property is "not suitable for children," they should clearly explain why, rather than using it as a default line.
Pets: Can Landlords Refuse Pets Now?
The Act introduces a formal right to request a pet. Tenants can ask to keep a pet both when starting a tenancy and during a tenancy, and landlords must consider those requests reasonably. Landlords can refuse on reasonable grounds, for example, if a pet would cause serious damage or if a tenancy is in a building that cannot be insured for animals. Advertisements may still include “no pets,” but landlords must properly consider requests. Some landlords may offer alternatives such as a pet clause, pet deposit, or requirement for pet insurance, but these must be reasonable.
How The Changes Are Enforced — What Happens If A Landlord Refuses Unfairly
The Act allows enforcement action by local authorities and civil penalties for discriminatory practices. Discriminatory tenancy terms may be treated as having no effect. Tenants can seek help from advice charities such as Shelter or Citizens Advice and report unlawful adverts or conduct to the local council.
What Landlords Can Still Do (Fair, Lawful Checks)
Landlords can still carry out affordability checks, request references, ask for a guarantor, and refuse a tenant where there are genuine, objective reasons, provided their decision is not based on protected characteristics or discriminatory bases like benefits status or children.
Practical Tips For Tenants
If you’re on benefits or have children, still apply. If turned down, ask for reasoning in writing. Ask about pets early and use the new right to request a pet when it becomes available. Keep evidence such as adverts, messages, emails, and notes of phone calls if you suspect discrimination. Get advice quickly from Shelter, Citizens Advice, or your local council housing team to challenge unfair refusals and understand next steps.
Bottom Line
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 marks a real shift: landlords can no longer rely on blanket bans to exclude people on benefits or with children, and tenants will have a formal right to request pets. These are positive steps for fairness in renting, but they don’t remove all checks landlords can make. If you think you’ve been unfairly treated, collect evidence and get advice — the new law strengthens your position.