Zoopla says it’s introducing new measures to minimise the presence of what it calls “blanket restrictions” imposed on tenants who receive housing benefit.
The portal has already contacted member agents, back in November, in support of recommendations from the National Landlords Association and Residential Landlord’s Association over the No DSS controversy.
Now it says it will amend the Zoopla Member Terms and Conditions to specifically prohibit the inclusion of ‘No DSS’ restrictions on the site, and will implement a process to remove such references from listings uploaded to the Zoopla website.
It is also removing the ‘No DSS’ fields in its cloud-based software products.
“We fully support the recommendations of the NLA and the RLA, which oppose blanket bans against tenants in receipt of housing-related benefits, and are pleased to be taking action which clarifies this position. All tenants who are looking to rent a property deserve the chance to be fully assessed for their suitability and matched to a home that suits both their and the landlord’s circumstances” explains Charlie Bryant, Zoopla’s managing director.
“We proactively sought the views of our largest lettings-focused agents to ensure the above measures were undertaken on a collaborative basis and received significant support in respect of our proposed additional measures”.
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Oh yes .. great move !
That will now just waste their time enquiring or applying to still get rejected
If the landlords doesn’t want the excess risks then taking it off the add will make zero difference
As DSS does not exist any more why should we be prevented from saying 'No DSS' ? OK a bit disingenuous perhaps. Others have suggested: 'Must be in secure employment with affordability. Must be credit worthy. Must offer a payment with no risk of clawbacks. Must not present any breach to landlords mortgage or insurance terms. ' So perhaps we use a bit more ink and say that instead?
OK, I can see the rationale as we were advised of this at a Training for Professionals briefing this week.
I say let’s employ the Hogwarts Sorting-hat to determine suitability otherwise simply take the Reference out-turn.
The annoyance here is that after 1st June the Landlord would have paid for an evidential decision that any experienced agent would have anticipated!
So what, still will not take, Universal Credit, single Mothers, Daily Curry eaters, 6 months and 12 months rent in advance, anyone with out a first rate reference, proof of income,permanent job. Anyone via zoopla.
Surely 'must be in gainful employment' might work.
unless you want students
Simply... Professionals only. Or must pass affordability check.
If that read 'Professionals', then I'd take that seriously. But spelling it 'Profesionales' clearly shows, at least, that you are not one.
The stupidity of all this is that ultimately it will not make a jot of difference to me, or I suspect most other landlords as to who we have as tenants, play with the wording or listen to the PC nonsense of Shelter makes no difference. I will make my own decisions, in fact all this nonsense just hardens my resolve to exclude anyone who in my opinion will have problems paying the rent. No-one will dictate to me on this no matter how hard they try.
unfortunately alan, we have to watch our back especially with the local council all too hung up to exercise their self made powers to show their supremacy over these matters instead of helping the prs to get it right. more so if you get caught using the taboo words no dss......
What about:
"Must show 6 months of consecutive salary payment slips that cover the rental cost of at least twice the rent amount and if I call the HB office I will not find their name."
That'll sort it.
As I said Dont use Zoopla, all tenants find agents I use, say No Universal Credit, No Dogs, No Single Mums, No Daily curry eaters, Everyone must have permanent job, not contract, No advance Rentals unless with their Government sponcer letter, simple rules and works well all the time.
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