Zoopla have made a positive move to end discrimination towards DSS applicants. They are removing the phrase ‘No DSS’ from its property adverts to open up the rental sector to those on benefits. Although now largely outdated, the term ‘DSS’ (or Department of Social Security) is still regularly used. The phrase refers to individuals who are in receipt of income support or other benefits. It is common for landlords to add ‘DSS not accepted’ or ‘No DSS’ in their property adverts.
The move is a welcome one and a foot in the right direction. However, it does not necessarily mean that ‘DSS applicants’ will have a better chance of renting a property on the private rental market.
Private landlords will no longer be able to block DSS applicants applying for a tenancy via Zoopla. However, the problem for applicants is that landlords will have no obligation to rent their property to them. Subsequently, DSS applicants will often find it difficult to outshine applicants with a secured, higher income.
This could mean that applicants in receipt of benefits, could end up wasting valuable time applying for properties which they have no chance of being accepted for.
DSS Welcome
Affordable property website MovingSoon have always championed the end of the ‘No DSS’ campaign. When MovingSoon was established in 2013, there was nowhere for people looking for affordable or social property to go. This resulted in people having to trawl through pages of unsuitable properties that were out of reach.
By only advertising rental properties owned by councils and housing associations, MovingSoon are able to provide more options for those who need to find an affordable home. The plus side is that there is also more chance of their applications for a home being successful.
If you are looking for an affordable rental property why don’t you start your search today?
