No DSS/housing benefit?

Some landlords and agents have a ‘no DSS’ policy. Sometimes this can even be because the landlord’s mortgage lender has a no DSS clause in their mortgage terms.

However, the Department for Social Security ceased to exist in 2001, so the term ‘DSS’ is somewhat out of date now, although many people still use the term.

What we’re really talking about is tenants in receipt of benefits.

At KPM, all prospective tenants are assessed on three criteria:

1) Suitability;
2) Affordability, and;
3) Referencing/credit checking.

All tenants should be able to pay the rent for the property they wish to live in.

This applies whether the tenants are working professionals, retired, students or, indeed, tenants in receipt of benefits.

Suitability

Will the property be suitable for the tenant? For example, a family of four won’t fit in a one bed flat. An unemployed tenant wouldn’t be a good fit in a house share where the other occupiers are students or professionals.

Affordability

Tenants need to be able to show proof of a gross annual income equal to at least 30 times the monthly rent. If two tenants are sharing, joint income would be used.

Supporting evidence required is three months’ payslips and bank statements.

A guarantor would be required where tenants are under 25 years of age, or where affordability is marginal.

Referencing/credit checking

This includes:
1) Electoral roll check;
2) CCJ check;
3) Address check;
4) Proof of ID;
5) Current and previous landlord references;
6) Employer reference.

Discrimination?

All prospective tenants – including those in receipt of benefits – are assessed by KPM on the above criteria.

So, we don’t discriminate against ‘DSS’ applicants, but we do check them out fully – just like every other applicant.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *