What is DSS?
DSS stands for ‘Department of Social Security’. It is now known as the ‘Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP), but many people still use its old name.
Essentially, a DSS tenant is someone who receives housing benefits from the council. The benefits either fully or partially covers the tenant’s rent. Tenants claim this because of financial difficulties, which can be caused by a number of reasons, including unemployment, disability, or single-parent status.
How does DSS work for landlords?
DSS rent works in much the same way as with non-DSS tenants. Although previously, housing benefits were paid directly to the landlord, nowadays, private or housing association tenants are paid their housing benefits and they pay you.
Can I refuse DSS tenants?
Blanket ‘No DSS’ policies have recently been deemed unlawful as they indirectly discriminate against women and people living with disabilities.
Although you cannot refuse a tenant simply because they receive housing benefits or universal credit, it is still within your rights to refuse a tenant because of other factors, such as failing a lawful affordability check.
Do I need loss of rent cover for DWP tenants?
Loss of rent cover can be useful for all types of tenants, including those receiving housing benefits. This is because the cover protects you in the event the property becomes uninhabitable, such as from fire or flood. We offer optional loss of rent cover depending on your needs and budget
Extra Benefits
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Landlord Legal Protection + Rent Guarantee
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Keycare for Landlords
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Home Emergency Cover
Why choose Adrian Flux for DSS tenant landlord insurance?
Our affordable landlord insurance for DSS tenants can be tailored to your needs. Call us for a quote – we’re never beaten on price. Cover can include:
- Landlord building insurance for DSS tenants
- Cover for the contents of the property
- Combined building and contents cover
- Legal protection and rent guarantee
- Optional loss of rent cover
- Cover for all types of properties and portfolios
- Liability cover available for property owners
- Discounts for alarms and security locks
- Home emergency and boiler cover
- Cover for unoccupied properties
- Options for paying in instalments