How to tackle 'No DSS' policies: views from private renters

Shelter Scotland commissioned research into the prevalence of, and reasons behind, landlord attitudes to renters who receive Housing Benefit as part of a response to concerns raised by private renters as part of our Private Renting Project.

The research showed there is strong evidence that ‘No DSS’ policies are a significant issue for many private renters in Scotland, which backs up direct reports from renters to Shelter Scotland.

The research identified several policy measures which could be introduced to improve access to private renting for renters who claim Housing Benefit.

We surveyed private tenants to gather their views on the policy measures identified to ensure that private renters’ views are central to the policy making process – not only in identifying the issue but in influencing change.

The most popular measures with survey respondents included introducing a ban on blanket ‘No DSS’ policies, and reversing UK Government welfare reforms which have reduced the level of Housing Benefit paid to private tenants.