Closed petition Ban landlords and estate agents discriminating against universal credit tenants

Closed on 16 October 2020

I would like a law to be passed stating that estate agents and landlords must not discriminate against tenants who claim universal credit or housing benefit and must treat those tenants the same as any other individual.

Many benefit claimants struggle to find landlords or estate agents who will accept them as tenants. As a senior housing officer I try and prepare my tenants for the private rented sector and time and time again they are rejected, even if they are given excellent landlord references. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic many tenants may need to claim benefits and as a result may not find suitable accommodation and could cause added pressure to local authorities.