DSS tenant
A tenant whose rent is paid wholly or partly through government benefits, historically administered by the Department of Social Security (DSS).
What DSS means today
The Department of Social Security was abolished in 2001 and its functions transferred to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The term DSS has nonetheless remained in common use among landlords and letting agents as shorthand for any tenant who relies on state benefits to meet their rent. In practice, a DSS tenant today is most likely receiving Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or both, all of which fall under the broader category of what landlords mean when they refer to DSS income. Our full guide to DWP and DSS tenants covers the practicalities in depth.
Universal Credit is the main working-age benefit that has replaced Housing Benefit for most new claimants. It combines several previous benefits into a single monthly payment, part of which covers housing costs. Housing Benefit continues to be paid to pensioners and some existing claimants who have not yet been migrated to Universal Credit.
What is DSS income?
DSS income refers to the benefit payments a tenant receives from the government to help cover their housing costs. This includes the housing element of Universal Credit, Housing Benefit paid directly to the tenant or landlord, Local Housing Allowance (which caps the amount of Housing Benefit payable in a given area), and any other welfare payments that form part of the tenant's overall income. Landlords carrying out affordability assessments should count verified benefit income alongside wages, pensions, and other sources, just as they would for any applicant, when assessing whether a tenant can sustain the rent. Our guide to tenant referencing explains how to assess benefit income correctly.
Is Universal Credit DSS?
Yes. Universal Credit is the modern equivalent of what was historically called DSS income. When a prospective tenant describes themselves as receiving Universal Credit, they are the contemporary equivalent of what older references to DSS tenants describe.
Can landlords refuse DSS tenants?
No. The Renters' Rights Act 2025, which came into force on 1 May 2026, makes it unlawful for landlords and letting agents to discriminate against prospective tenants on the basis that they receive benefits. Advertising language such as "no DSS" or "working professionals only" is prohibited. Landlords retain the right to reference applicants thoroughly and to assess affordability objectively, but benefit receipt alone cannot be grounds for refusal. Mortgage, insurance, and lease clauses that seek to prohibit benefit tenants are also rendered ineffective by the Act. For a detailed breakdown of the anti-discrimination rules, see the Renters' Rights Act tenant relations guide.
Also see: DWP and DSS tenants: a complete guide · Tenant referencing · Guarantor · Reference checks · Renters' Rights Act · Section 8 notice · Universal Credit Housing Element · PTSR
