Renters from across Hackney are calling for an end to the
“discriminatory” practice that allows private landlords to deny a home to those
claiming housing benefit. The number of claimants of housing benefit, often
referred to as ‘DSS’, has increased dramatically in Hackney during recent years
due to the rising cost of rented accommodation. In a recent survey Digs, a
campaign group which fights for renters’ rights in Hackney, contacted 50 local
letting agencies, finding just one property available to those who claim
housing benefit. Out of the 50 agencies contacted, 21 said it was company
policy not to accept DSS tenants, 20 admitted it was very rare and not
preferred by their landlords, and a further nine agencies declined to answer.
Read more on the Hackney Citizen website.
