Renters’ Rights Act 2025

but regulations under this section may make provision corresponding to the provision that may be made under section 33(3)(b) or 34(3)(b).

• (6) Before making regulations prohibiting a discriminatory rental practice, the Secretary of State must consult such of the following persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate—

• (a) victims of the discriminatory rental practice or one or more representatives of such persons;

• (b) landlords and prospective landlords under relevant tenancies or one or more representatives of such persons;

• (c) landlords under regulated tenancies or one or more representatives of such persons;

• (d) other landlords and prospective landlords under leases of premises that consist of or include a dwelling or one or more representatives of such persons;

• (e) mortgagees of dwellings or one or more representatives of such persons;

• (f) insurers of dwellings or one or more representatives of such persons;

• (g) local housing authorities or one or more representatives of local housing authorities.

• (7) For that purpose a “representative” of persons of a particular kind, or of local housing authorities, is a body or other person which appears to the Secretary of State to represent the interests of persons of that kind, or of local housing authorities.

Discrimination: financial penalties

Financial penalties for breach of anti-discrimination provisions

40

• (1) A local housing authority may impose a financial penalty under this subsection on a person if satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the person has breached a requirement imposed by—

• (a) section 33 or 34, or

• (b) provision in regulations made under section 39.

• (2) More than one financial penalty may be imposed under subsection (1) on the same person in respect of the same conduct only if—

• (a) the conduct continues after the end of 28 days beginning with the day after that on which the previous penalty in respect of the conduct was imposed on the person, unless the person appeals against the decision to impose the penalty within that period, or

• (b) if the person appeals against the decision to impose the penalty within that period, the conduct continues after the end of 28 days beginning with the day after that on which the appeal is finally determined, withdrawn or abandoned.

• (3) Where a person applies a single provision, criterion or practice on more than one occasion in relation to the same dwelling, each application of that provision, criterion or practice is to be treated as the same conduct for the purposes of subsection (2).

• (4) If—

• (a) the local housing authority imposes a financial penalty under subsection (1) on a person, and

• (b) within the period of five years ending with the date on which that penalty was imposed, a previous financial penalty under subsection (1) was imposed on that person in relation to a breach of the same section or provision in regulations made under section 39,

then the local housing authority may impose an additional financial penalty under this subsection on that person.

• (5) The amount of a financial penalty imposed under this section is to be determined by the authority imposing it, but must not be more than £7,000.

• (6) Neither subsection (2) nor subsection (4) enables a penalty to be imposed after the final notice in respect of the previous penalty has been withdrawn or quashed on appeal.

• (7) Where—

• (a) a local housing authority is satisfied as mentioned in subsection (1) in relation to two or more persons, and

• (b) the breaches in relation to which the local housing authority is so satisfied arise from the same conduct by one or more of the persons acting on behalf of the others,

the local housing authority may impose a financial penalty under that subsection on the persons (or some of them) jointly, and if the local housing authority does so, the persons on whom the penalty is imposed are jointly and severally liable to pay it.

• (8) The Secretary of State may give guidance to local housing authorities about the exercise of their functions under this section.

• (9) Local housing authorities must have regard to any guidance issued under subsection (8).

• (10) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend the amount specified in subsection (5) to reflect changes in the value of money.

• (11) For the purposes of this section—

• (a) a financial penalty is imposed under this section on the date specified in the final notice as the date on which the notice is given, and

• (b) “final notice” has the meaning given by paragraph 6 of Schedule 5.

Supplementary

No prohibition on taking income into account

41

Nothing in this Chapter prohibits taking a person’s income into account when considering whether that person would be able to afford to pay rent under a relevant tenancy.

Interpretation of Chapter 3

42

• (1) In this Chapter—

• “benefits claimant” means a person who— is entitled to payments (including payments made directly to a landlord) under or by virtue of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 or the Welfare Reform Act 2012, or would be so entitled were a relevant tenancy to be granted to the person, is entitled to payments (including payments made directly to a landlord) under or by virtue of the Jobseekers Act 1995, the State Pension Credit Act 2002, the Tax Credits Act 2002, the Welfare Reform Act 2007 or the Pensions Act 2014, is in receipt of a reduction in the amount of council tax payable in respect of the person’s current home under a scheme made by a billing authority under or by virtue of section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, or would be entitled to a reduction in the amount of council tax payable in respect of the dwelling in question under a scheme made by the billing authority in whose area the dwelling is situated under or by virtue of section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, if the person were to— rent the dwelling on a relevant tenancy, and if an application is a precondition of entitlement, apply to the billing authority for a reduction under the scheme;

• “child” means a person under the age of 18;

• “dwelling” means a “dwelling-house” within the meaning of Part 1 of the 1988 Act (see section 45 of that Act) in England;

• “prospective landlord” means a person who proposes to let a dwelling on an agreement which may give rise to a relevant tenancy;

• “prospective tenant” means a person seeking to find a dwelling to rent;

• “regulated tenancy” has the same meaning as in the Rent Act 1977 (see section 18 of that Act);

• “relevant person”, in relation to a relevant tenancy, means— the prospective landlord; a person acting or purporting to act directly or indirectly on behalf of the prospective landlord;

• “relevant tenancy” means an assured tenancy within the meaning of the 1988 Act, other than a tenancy that is— a tenancy of social housing, within the meaning of Part 2 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008, or a tenancy of supported accommodation, within the meaning given by paragraph 12 of Schedule 2 to the 1988 Act.

• (2) In this Chapter a reference to doing something on the basis of particular facts includes reference to doing it on the basis of a belief in those facts.

Chapter 4 — Discrimination in the rental market: Wales

Prohibitions of discrimination

Discrimination relating to children or benefits status: Welsh language

43

• (1) The Welsh language text of the Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Act 2019 (anaw 2) is amended as follows.

• (2) In section 1, after subsection (2), insert—

(2A) Mae Rhan 2A yn ei gwneud yn drosedd i landlord neu berson sy’n gweithredu ar ran landlord neu’n honni ei fod yn gweithredu ar ran landlord wahaniaethu mewn perthynas â chontractau meddiannaeth yn erbyn personau a fyddai â phlant yn byw gyda hwy neu’n ymweld â hwy neu sy’n hawlyddion budd-daliadau, ac yn gwneud darpariaeth arall ynghylch gwahaniaethu o’r math hwnnw.

• (3) After section 8 insert—

(8A) (1) Mae’n drosedd i berson perthnasol, mewn perthynas ag annedd sydd i fod yn destun contract meddiannaeth— (a) ar y sail y byddai plentyn yn byw gyda pherson neu’n ymweld â pherson yn yr annedd, neu y gallai plentyn fyw gyda pherson neu ymweld â pherson yn yr annedd, pe bai’r annedd, yn gartref i’r person, atal y person rhag— (i) ymholi a yw’r annedd ar gael i’w rhentu, (ii) cael mynediad at wybodaeth am yr annedd, (iii) gweld yr annedd er mwyn ystyried a ddylai geisio ei rhentu, neu (iv) sicrhau contract meddiannaeth mewn cysylltiad â’r annedd neu sicrhau bod contract o’r fath yn cael ei adnewyddu neu ei barhau, neu (b) cymhwyso darpariaeth, maen prawf neu arfer er mwyn peri bod pobl a fyddai â phlentyn yn byw gyda hwy neu’n ymweld â hwy yn yr annedd yn llai tebygol o sicrhau contract meddiannaeth mewn cysylltiad â’r annedd neu’n llai tebygol o sicrhau bod contract o’r fath yn cael ei adnewyddu neu ei barhau na phobl a fyddai heb blentyn yn byw gyda hwy neu’n ymweld â hwy. (2) Mae’n amddiffyniad i’r person perthnasol brofi bod yr ymddygiad yn fodd cymesur o gyflawni nod dilys. (3) Mae’n amddiffyniad i’r person perthnasol brofi bod darpar landlord yr annedd, neu berson a fyddai’n uwchlandlord mewn perthynas â’r annedd, wedi ei yswirio o dan gontract yswiriant— (a) nad yw adran 8H yn gymwys iddo, a (b) sy’n cynnwys teler sy’n ei gwneud yn ofynnol i’r sawl sydd wedi ei yswirio wahardd deiliad contract rhag bod â phlentyn yn byw gydag ef neu’n ymweld ag ef yn yr annedd neu sy’n ei gwneud yn ofynnol i’r landlord gyfyngu’r amgylchiadau lle caniateir i ddeiliad contract wneud hynny, a bod yr ymddygiad yn fodd i atal y person sydd wedi ei yswirio rhag torri’r teler hwnnw. (4) Mae person sy’n euog o drosedd o dan is-adran (1) yn agored ar euogfarn ddiannod i ddirwy. (8B) (1) Mae’n drosedd i berson perthnasol, mewn perthynas ag annedd sydd i fod yn destun contract meddiannaeth— (a) ar y sail bod person yn hawlydd budd-daliadau neu y gallai fod yn hawlydd budd-daliadau, atal y person rhag— (i) ymholi a yw’r annedd ar gael i’w rhentu, (ii) cael mynediad at wybodaeth am yr annedd, (iii) gweld yr annedd er mwyn ystyried a ddylai geisio ei rhentu, neu (iv) sicrhau contract meddiannaeth mewn cysylltiad â’r annedd neu sicrhau bod contract o’r fath yn cael ei adnewyddu neu ei barhau, neu (b) cymhwyso darpariaeth, maen prawf neu arfer er mwyn peri bod hawlyddion budd-daliadau yn llai tebygol o sicrhau contract meddiannaeth mewn cysylltiad â’r annedd neu’n llai tebygol o sicrhau bod contract o’r fath yn cael ei adnewyddu neu ei barhau na phobl nad ydynt yn hawlyddion budd-daliadau. (2) Mae’n amddiffyniad i’r person perthnasol brofi bod darpar landlord yr annedd, neu berson a fyddai’n uwchlandlord mewn perthynas â’r annedd, wedi ei yswirio o dan gontract yswiriant— (a) nad yw adran 8H yn gymwys iddo, a (b) sy’n cynnwys teler sy’n ei gwneud yn ofynnol i’r sawl sydd wedi ei yswirio wahardd deiliad contract ar yr annedd rhag bod yn hawlydd budd-daliadau, a bod yr ymddygiad yn fodd i atal y person sydd wedi ei yswirio rhag torri’r teler hwnnw. (3) Mae person sy’n euog o drosedd o dan is-adran (1) yn agored ar euogfarn ddiannod i ddirwy. (8C) Nid yw ymddygiad yn gyfystyr a throsedd o dan adran 8A(1) nac adran 8B(1) os nad yw ond yn cynnwys— (a) un neu ragor o’r pethau a ganlyn a wneir gan berson nad yw’n gwneud dim mewn perthynas â’r annedd sydd heb ei grybwyll yn y paragraff hwn— (i) cyhoeddi hysbysiadau neu ledaenu gwybodaeth; (ii) darparu cyfrwng y gall darpar landlord gyfathrebu drwyddo yn uniongyrchol â darpar ddeiliad contract; (iii) darparu cyfrwng y gall darpar ddeiliad contract gyfathrebu drwyddo yn uniongyrchol â darpar landlord, neu (b) pethau o ddisgrifiad, neu bethau a wneir gan berson o ddisgrifiad, a bennir at ddibenion yr adran hon mewn rheoliadau. (8D) (1) Mae person yn cyflawni trosedd— (a) os oes hysbysiad cosb benodedig wedi ei roi i’r person o dan adran 13 am drosedd o dan y Rhan hon mewn perthynas ag annedd ac nad yw wedi ei dynnu’n ôl, a (b) os yw’r ymddygiad y rhoddwyd yr hysbysiad cosb benodedig mewn cysylltiad ag ef yn parhau mewn perthynas â’r annedd honno ar ôl diwedd y cyfnod o 28 o ddiwrnodau sy’n dechrau â’r dyddiad y rhoddwyd yr hysbysiad o dan adran 13. (2) Mae person sy’n euog o drosedd o dan is-adran (1) yn agored ar euogfarn ddiannod i ddirwy. (8E) (1) Mae person yn cyflawni trosedd— (a) os oes hysbysiad cosb benodedig wedi ei roi i’r person o dan adran 13 am drosedd o dan y Rhan hon ac nad yw wedi ei dynnu’n ôl, a (b) os yw’r person yn cyflawni trosedd arall o dan yr un adran o fewn y cyfnod o 5 mlynedd sy’n dechrau â’r dyddiad y rhoddwyd yr hysbysiad o dan adran 13. (2) Mae person sy’n euog o drosedd o dan is-adran (1) yn agored ar euogfarn ddiannod i ddirwy. (8F) (1) Nid yw teler mewn les ar fangre sy’n ffurfio annedd neu sy’n cynnwys annedd yn rhwymo i’r graddau y byddai (oni bai am yr adran hon) yn ei gwneud yn ofynnol i denant o dan y les honno neu unrhyw is-les— (a) gwahardd deiliad contract rhag bod â phlentyn yn byw gydag ef neu’n ymweld ag ef yn yr annedd, neu (b) cyfyngu’r amgylchiadau lle caniateir i ddeiliad contract fod â phlentyn yn byw gydag ef neu’n ymweld ag ef yn yr annedd, (ond mae’r les yn parhau, i’r graddau y bo hynny’n ymarferol, i gael effaith ym mhob cyswllt arall). (2) Nid yw is-adran (1) yn gymwys— (a) os yw’r gofyniad yn fodd cymesur o gyflawni nod dilys, neu (b) os yw’r landlord o dan y les neu uwchlandlord wedi ei yswirio o dan gontract yswiriant— (i) nad yw adran 8H yn gymwys iddo, a (ii) sy’n cynnwys teler sy’n gwneud darpariaeth (sut bynnag y’i mynegir) yn ei gwneud yn ofynnol i’r sawl sydd wedi ei yswirio wahardd deiliad contract rhag bod â phlentyn yn byw gydag ef neu’n ymweld ag ef yn yr annedd neu gyfyngu’r amgylchiadau lle caniateir i ddeiliad contract fod â phlentyn yn byw gydag ef neu’n ymweld ag ef yn yr annedd, a bod y gofyniad yn y les yn fodd i atal y sawl sydd wedi ei yswirio rhag torri’r teler hwnnw. (3) Nid yw teler mewn les ar fangre sy’n ffurfio annedd neu sy’n cynnwys annedd yn rhwymo i’r graddau y byddai (oni bai am yr adran hon) yn ei gwneud yn ofynnol i denant o dan y les honno neu unrhyw is-les wahardd deiliad contract rhag bod yn hawlydd budd-daliadau (ond mae’r les yn parhau, i’r graddau y bo hynny’n ymarferol, i gael effaith ym mhob cyswllt arall). (4) Nid yw is-adran (3) yn gymwys os yw’r landlord o dan y les neu uwchlandlord wedi ei yswirio o dan gontract yswiriant— (a) nad yw adran 8H yn gymwys iddo, a (b) sy’n cynnwys teler sy’n gwneud darpariaeth (sut bynnag y’i mynegir) yn ei gwneud yn ofynnol i’r sawl sydd wedi ei yswirio wahardd deiliad contract rhag bod yn hawlydd budd-daliadau, a bod y gofyniad yn y les yn fodd i atal y sawl sydd wedi ei yswirio rhag torri’r teler hwnnw. (5) At ddibenion yr adran hon, mae telerau les yn cynnwys— (a) telerau unrhyw gytundeb sy’n ymwneud â’r les, a (b) unrhyw ddogfen neu gyfathrebiad oddi wrth y landlord sy’n rhoi neu’n gwrthod cydsyniad i isosod o dan y les i gategori neu ddisgrifiad o berson. (8G) (1) Nid yw teler mewn morgais ar fangre sy’n ffurfio annedd neu sy’n cynnwys annedd yn rhwymo i’r graddau y byddai (oni bai am yr adran hon) yn ei gwneud yn ofynnol i’r morgeisiwr— (a) gwahardd deiliad contract rhag bod â phlentyn yn byw gydag ef neu’n ymweld ag ef yn yr annedd, neu (b) cyfyngu’r amgylchiadau lle caniateir i ddeiliad contract fod â phlentyn yn byw gydag ef neu’n ymweld ag ef yn yr annedd, (ond mae’r morgais yn parhau, i’r graddau y bo hynny’n ymarferol, i gael effaith ym mhob cyswllt arall). (2) Nid yw teler mewn morgais ar fangre sy’n ffurfio annedd neu sy’n cynnwys annedd yn rhwymo i’r graddau y byddai (oni bai am yr adran hon) yn ei gwneud yn ofynnol i’r morgeisiwr wahardd deiliad contract rhag bod yn hawlydd budd-daliadau (ond mae’r morgais yn parhau, i’r graddau y bo hynny’n ymarferol, i gael effaith ym mhob cyswllt arall). (8H) (1) Nid yw teler mewn contract yswiriant y mae’r adran hon yn gymwys iddo yn rhwymo i’r graddau y byddai (oni bai am yr adran hon) yn ei gwneud yn ofynnol i’r sawl sydd wedi ei yswirio— (a) gwahardd deiliad contract rhag bod â phlentyn yn byw gydag ef neu’n ymweld ag ef yn yr annedd sy’n destun contract meddiannaeth, neu (b) cyfyngu’r amgylchiadau lle caniateir i ddeiliad contract fod â phlentyn yn byw gydag ef neu’n ymweld ag ef yn yr annedd sy’n destun contract meddiannaeth, (ond mae’r contract yswiriant yn parhau, i’r graddau y bo hynny’n ymarferol, i gael effaith ym mhob cyswllt arall). (2) Nid yw teler mewn contract yswiriant y mae’r adran hon yn gymwys iddo yn rhwymo i’r graddau y byddai (oni bai am yr adran hon) yn ei gwneud yn ofynnol i’r sawl sydd wedi ei yswirio wahardd deiliad contract annedd sy’n destun contract meddiannaeth rhag bod yn hawlydd budd-daliadau (ond mae’r contract yswiriant yn parhau, i’r graddau y bo hynny’n ymarferol, i gael effaith ym mhob cyswllt arall). (3) Mae’r adran hon yn gymwys i gontractau yswiriant a wnaed neu yr estynnwyd eu cyfnod ar neu ar ôl y diwrnod y daw’r adran hon i rym. (8I) Nid oes dim yn y Rhan hon yn gwahardd rhoi ystyriaeth i incwm person wrth ystyried a fyddai’r person hwnnw yn gallu fforddio talu rhent o dan gontract meddiannaeth. (8J) (1) Yn y Rhan hon— - mae i “contract meddiannaeth” (“occupation contract”) yr un ystyr ag yn Neddf Rhentu Cartrefi (Cymru) 2016 (dccc 1) (gweler adran 7 o’r Ddeddf honno); - ystyr “darpar ddeiliad contract” (“prospective contract-holder”) yw person sy’n ceisio dod o hyd i annedd i’w rhentu o dan gontract meddiannaeth; - ystyr “darpar landlord” (“prospective landlord”) yw person sy’n bwriadu gosod annedd o dan gontract meddiannaeth; - ystyr “hawlydd budd-daliadau” (“benefits claimant”) yw person— sydd â hawl i gael taliadau (gan gynnwys taliadau a wneir yn uniongyrchol i landlord) o dan Ddeddf Cyfraniadau a Budd-daliadau Nawdd Cymdeithasol 1992 neu Ddeddf Diwygio Lles 2012 neu yn rhinwedd y deddfau hynny, neu a fyddai â hawl o’r fath pe bai’r person yn dod yn ddeiliad contract o dan gontract meddiannaeth, sydd â hawl i gael taliadau (gan gynnwys taliadau a wneir yn uniongyrchol i landlord) o dan neu yn rhinwedd Deddf Ceiswyr Gwaith 1995, Deddf Credyd Pensiwn y Wladwriaeth 2002, Deddf Credydau Treth 2002, Deddf Diwygio Lles 2007 neu Ddeddf Pensiynau 2014, sy’n cael gostyngiad yn swm y dreth gyngor sy’n daladwy mewn perthynas â chartref presennol y person o dan gynllun a wneir gan awdurdod bilio o dan neu yn rhinwedd adran 13A o Ddeddf Cyllid Llywodraeth Leol 1992, neu a fyddai â’r hawl i gael gostyngiad yn swm y dreth gyngor sy’n daladwy mewn perthynas â’r annedd o dan sylw o dan gynllun a wneir gan yr awdurdod bilio y mae’r annedd yn ei ardal o dan neu yn rhinwedd adran 13A o Ddeddf Cyllid Llywodraeth Leol 1992, pe bai’r person— yn rhentu’r annedd o dan gontract meddiannaeth, a os yw gwneud cais yn rhagamod ar gyfer hawlio gostyngiad, yn gwneud cais i’r awdurdod bilio am ostyngiad o dan y cynllun; - ystyr “person perthnasol” (“relevant person”), mewn perthynas â chontract meddiannaeth, yw— y darpar landlord; person sy’n gweithredu’n uniongyrchol neu’n anuniongyrchol ar ran y darpar landlord neu sy’n honni ei fod yn gweithredu’n uniongyrchol neu’n anuniongyrchol ar ran y darpar landlord; - ystyr “plentyn” (“child”) yw person o dan 18 oed. (2) Yn y Rhan hon, mae cyfeiriad at wneud rhywbeth ar sail ffeithiau penodol yn cynnwys cyfeiriad at wneud hynny ar sail cred yn y ffeithiau hynny.

• (4) In section 10(4)—

• (a) after the opening words insert—

(za) mewn perthynas â throsedd o dan Ran 2A neu o dan reoliadau o dan adran 47 neu 48 o Ddeddf Hawliau Rhentwyr 2025— (i) person sy’n landlord o dan gontract meddiannaeth neu sydd wedi bod yn landlord o dan gontract o’r fath; (ii) person sy’n ddeiliad contract o dan gontract meddiannaeth neu sydd wedi bod yn ddeiliad contract o dan gontract o’r fath; (iii) person sy’n berson perthnasol mewn perthynas â chontract meddiannaeth neu sydd wedi bod yn berson perthnasol mewn perthynas â chontract o’r fath; (zb) mewn perthynas â throsedd o dan unrhyw ddarpariaeth arall o’r Ddeddf hon—

;

• (b) paragraphs (a) to (c) become paragraphs (i) to (iii) of paragraph (zb).

• (5) After section 10(4) insert—

(4A) Yn is-adran (4)— - mae i “contract meddiannaeth” (“occupation contract”) yr un ystyr ag yn Neddf Rhentu Cartrefi (Cymru) 2016 (dccc 1) (gweler adran 7 o’r Ddeddf honno); - mae i “person perthnasol” (“relevant person”) yr ystyr a roddir yn adran 8J.

• (6) In section 13(1) after “3” insert “neu Ran 2A o’r Ddeddf hon neu o dan reoliadau o dan adran 47 neu 48 o Ddeddf Hawliau Rhentwyr 2025”.

• (7) In section 17—

• (a) after subsection (3) insert—

(3A) At ddibenion y Rhan hon fel y mae’n ymwneud â throseddau o dan Ran 2A neu o dan reoliadau o dan adran 47 neu 48 o Ddeddf Hawliau Rhentwyr 2025, mae awdurdod pwysau a mesurau lleol yn awdurdod gorfodi ychwanegol mewn perthynas â’r ardal y mae’n awdurdod pwysau a mesurau ar ei chyfer.

;

• (b) in subsection (4) the words from “ystyr” to the end become a definition;

• (c) at the end of subsection (4) insert—

• mae i “awdurdod pwysau a mesurau lleol” yr ystyr a roddir i “local weights and measures authority” gan adran 69(2) o Ddeddf Pwysau a Mesurau 1985.

• (8) In section 27(3) after “adran 7,” insert “adran 8C,”.

Discrimination relating to children or benefits status: English language

44

• (1) The English language text of the Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Act 2019 (anaw 2) is amended as follows.

• (2) In section 1, after subsection (2), insert—

(2A) Part 2A makes it an offence for a landlord or person acting or purporting to act on a landlord’s behalf to discriminate in relation to occupation contracts against persons who would have children live with or visit them or who are benefits claimants, and makes other provision about discrimination of that kind.

• (3) After section 8 insert—

(8A) (1) It is an offence for a relevant person, in relation to a dwelling that is to be the subject of an occupation contract— (a) on the basis that a child would or may live with or visit a person at the dwelling if the dwelling were the person’s home, to prevent the person from— (i) enquiring whether the dwelling is available for rent, (ii) accessing information about the dwelling, (iii) viewing the dwelling in order to consider whether to seek to rent it, or (iv) obtaining the grant, renewal or continuance of an occupation contract in respect of the dwelling, or (b) to apply a provision, criterion or practice in order to make people who would have a child live with or visit them at the dwelling less likely to obtain the grant, renewal or continuance of an occupation contract in respect of the dwelling than people who would not. (2) It is a defence for the relevant person to prove that the conduct is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. (3) It is a defence for the relevant person to prove that the prospective landlord of the dwelling, or a person who would be a superior landlord in relation to the dwelling, is insured under a contract of insurance— (a) to which section 8H does not apply, and (b) which contains a term which requires the insured to prohibit a contract-holder from having a child live with or visit them at the dwelling or requires the landlord to restrict the circumstances in which a contract-holder may do so, and the conduct is a means of preventing the insured from breaching that term. (4) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine. (8B) (1) It is an offence for a relevant person, in relation to a dwelling that is to be the subject of an occupation contract— (a) on the basis that a person is or may be a benefits claimant, to prevent the person from— (i) enquiring whether the dwelling is available for rent, (ii) accessing information about the dwelling, (iii) viewing the dwelling in order to consider whether to seek to rent it, or (iv) obtaining the grant, renewal or continuance of an occupation contract in respect of the dwelling, or (b) to apply a provision, criterion or practice in order to make benefits claimants less likely to obtain the grant, renewal or continuance of an occupation contract in respect of the dwelling than people who are not benefits claimants. (2) It is a defence for the relevant person to prove that the prospective landlord of the dwelling, or a person who would be a superior landlord in relation to the dwelling, is insured under a contract of insurance— (a) to which section 8H does not apply, and (b) which contains a term which requires the insured to prohibit a contract-holder of the dwelling from being a benefits claimant, and the conduct is a means of preventing the insured from breaching that term. (3) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine. (8C) Conduct does not constitute an offence under section 8A(1) or section 8B(1) if it consists only of— (a) one or more of the following things done by a person who does nothing in relation to the dwelling that is not mentioned in this paragraph— (i) publishing advertisements or disseminating information; (ii) providing a means by which a prospective landlord can communicate directly with a prospective contract-holder; (iii) providing a means by which a prospective contract-holder can communicate directly with a prospective landlord, or (b) things of a description, or things done by a person of a description, specified for the purposes of this section in regulations. (8D) (1) A person commits an offence if— (a) a fixed penalty notice has been given to the person under section 13 for an offence under this Part in relation to a dwelling and has not been withdrawn, and (b) the conduct in respect of which the fixed penalty notice was given continues in relation to that dwelling after the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which the notice under section 13 was given. (2) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine. (8E) (1) A person commits an offence if— (a) a fixed penalty notice has been given to the person under section 13 for an offence under this Part and has not been withdrawn, and (b) the person commits another offence under the same section within the period of 5 years beginning with the date on which the notice under section 13 was given. (2) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine. (8F) (1) A term of a lease of premises that consist of or include a dwelling is not binding to the extent that (but for this section) it would require a tenant under that or any inferior lease to— (a) prohibit a contract-holder from having a child live with or visit them at the dwelling, or (b) restrict the circumstances in which a contract-holder may have a child live with or visit them at the dwelling, (but the lease continues, so far as practicable, to have effect in every other respect). (2) Subsection (1) does not apply if— (a) the requirement is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim, or (b) the landlord under the lease or a superior landlord is insured under a contract of insurance— (i) to which section 8H does not apply, and (ii) which contains a term which makes provision (however expressed) requiring the insured to prohibit a contract-holder from having a child live with or visit them at the dwelling or to restrict the circumstances in which a contract-holder may have a child live with or visit them at the dwelling, and the requirement in the lease is a means of preventing the insured from breaching that term. (3) A term of a lease of premises that consist of or include a dwelling is not binding to the extent that (but for this section) it would require a tenant under that or any inferior lease to prohibit a contract-holder from being a benefits claimant (but the lease continues, so far as practicable, to have effect in every other respect). (4) Subsection (3) does not apply if the landlord under the lease or a superior landlord is insured under a contract of insurance— (a) to which section 8H does not apply, and (b) which contains a term which makes provision (however expressed) requiring the insured to prohibit a contract-holder from being a benefits claimant, and the requirement in the lease is a means of preventing the insured from breaching that term. (5) For the purposes of this section, the terms of a lease include— (a) the terms of any agreement relating to the lease, and (b) any document or communication from the landlord that gives or refuses consent for sub-letting under the lease to a category or description of person. (8G) (1) A term of a mortgage of premises that consist of or include a dwelling is not binding to the extent that (but for this section) it would require the mortgagor to— (a) prohibit a contract-holder from having a child live with or visit them at the dwelling, or (b) restrict the circumstances in which a contract-holder may have a child live with or visit them at the dwelling, (but the mortgage continues, so far as practicable, to have effect in every other respect). (2) A term of a mortgage of premises that consist of or include a dwelling is not binding to the extent that (but for this section) it would require the mortgagor to prohibit a contract-holder from being a benefits claimant (but the mortgage continues, so far as practicable, to have effect in every other respect). (8H) (1) A term of a contract of insurance to which this section applies is not binding to the extent that (but for this section) it would require the insured to— (a) prohibit a contract-holder from having a child live with or visit them at the dwelling subject to an occupation contract, or (b) restrict the circumstances in which a contract-holder may have a child live with or visit them at the dwelling subject to an occupation contract, (but the insurance contract continues, so far as practicable, to have effect in every other respect). (2) A term of a contract of insurance to which this section applies is not binding to the extent that (but for this section) it would require the insured to prohibit a contract-holder of a dwelling that is subject to an occupation contract from being a benefits claimant (but the insurance contract continues, so far as practicable, to have effect in every other respect). (3) This section applies to contracts of insurance which were entered into or whose duration was extended on or after the day on which this section comes into force. (8I) Nothing in this Part prohibits taking a person’s income into account when considering whether that person would be able to afford to pay rent under an occupation contract. (8J) (1) In this Part— - “benefits claimant” (“ceisydd budd-daliadau”) means a person who— is entitled to payments (including payments made directly to a landlord) under or by virtue of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 or the Welfare Reform Act 2012, or would be so entitled were the person to become a contract-holder under an occupation contract, is entitled to payments (including payments made directly to a landlord) under or by virtue of the Jobseekers Act 1995, the State Pension Credit Act 2002, the Tax Credits Act 2002, the Welfare Reform Act 2007 or the Pensions Act 2014, is in receipt of a reduction in the amount of council tax payable in respect of the person’s current home under a scheme made by a billing authority under or by virtue of section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, or would be entitled to a reduction in the amount of council tax payable in respect of the dwelling in question under a scheme made by the billing authority in whose area the dwelling is situated under or by virtue of section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, if the person were to— rent the dwelling under an occupation contract, and if an application is a precondition of entitlement, apply to the billing authority for a reduction under the scheme; - “child” (“plentyn”) means a person under the age of 18; - “occupation contract” (“contract meddiannaeth”) has the same meaning as in the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 1) (see section 7 of that Act); - “prospective contract-holder” (“darpar ddeiliad contract”) means a person seeking to find a dwelling to rent under an occupation contract; - “prospective landlord” (“darpar landlord”) means a person who proposes to let a dwelling under an occupation contract; - “relevant person” (“person perthnasol”), in relation to an occupation contract, means— the prospective landlord; a person acting or purporting to act directly or indirectly on behalf of the prospective landlord. (2) In this Part a reference to doing something on the basis of particular facts includes reference to doing it on the basis of a belief in those facts.

• (4) In section 10(4)—

• (a) after the opening words insert—

(za) in respect of an offence under Part 2A or under regulations under section 47 or 48 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025— (i) a person who is or has been a landlord under an occupation contract; (ii) a person who is or has been a contract-holder under an occupation contract; (iii) a person who is or has been a relevant person in relation to an occupation contract; (zb) in respect of an offence under any other provision of this Act—

;

• (b) paragraphs (a) to (c) become paragraphs (i) to (iii) of paragraph (zb).

• (5) After section 10(4) insert—

(4A) In subsection (4)— - “occupation contract” (“contract meddiannaeth”) has the same meaning as in the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 1) (see section 7 of that Act); - “relevant person” (“person perthnasol”) has the meaning given in section 8J.

• (6) In section 13(1) after “3” insert “or Part 2A of this Act or under regulations under section 47 or 48 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025”.

• (7) In section 17—

• (a) after subsection (3) insert—

(3A) For the purposes of this Part as it relates to offences under Part 2A or under regulations under section 47 or 48 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, a local weights and measures authority is an additional enforcement authority in relation to the area for which it is the local weights and measures authority.

;

• (b) in subsection (4) the words from ““licensing” to the end become a definition;

• (c) at the end of subsection (4) insert—

• “local weights and measures authority” has the meaning given by section 69(2) of the Weights and Measures Act 1985.

• (8) In section 27(3) after “section 7,” insert “section 8C,”.

Amendment of short title of Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Act 2019

45

• (1) Deddf Rhentu Cartrefi (Ffioedd etc.) (Cymru) 2019 may be cited as Deddf Rhentu Cartrefi (Ffioedd, Gwahaniaethu etc.) (Cymru) 2019.

• (2) The Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Act 2019 (anaw 2) may be cited as the Renting Homes (Fees, Discrimination etc.) (Wales) Act 2019.

• (3) In the Welsh language text of the following provisions, for “Deddf Rhentu Cartrefi (Ffioedd etc.) (Cymru) 2019” substitute “Deddf Rhentu Cartrefi (Ffioedd, Gwahaniaethu etc.) (Cymru) 2019”—

• (a) section 41(2A) of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 (anaw 7);

• (b) in Schedule 9A to the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 1)—

• (i) the italic heading before paragraph 5;

• (ii) paragraph 5(1)(a);

• (iii) paragraph 5(2)(a);

• (c) in regulation 2 of the Renting Homes (Rent Determination) (Converted Contracts) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/781 (W. 170)), paragraph (b) of the definition of “rhent”;

• (d) in Schedule 2 to the Renting Homes (Model Written Statements of Contract) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/28 (W. 13)), in Part 3 of the model written statement, in term 68—

• (i) the heading;

• (ii) paragraphs (1)(a) and (2)(a).

• (4) In the English language text of the following provisions, for “Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Act 2019” substitute “Renting Homes (Fees, Discrimination etc.) (Wales) Act 2019”—

• (a) section 41(2A) of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014;

• (b) in Schedule 9A to the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016—

• (i) the italic heading before paragraph 5;

• (ii) paragraph 5(1)(a);

• (iii) paragraph 5(2)(a);

• (c) in regulation 2 of the Renting Homes (Rent Determination) (Converted Contracts) (Wales) Regulations 2022, paragraph (b) of the definition of “rent”;

• (d) in Schedule 2 to the Renting Homes (Model Written Statements of Contract) (Wales) Regulations 2022, in Part 3 of the model written statement, in term 68—

• (i) the heading;

• (ii) paragraphs (1)(a) and (2)(a).

• (5) In section 31 of the Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Act 2019—

• (a) in the Welsh language text after “Ffioedd” insert “, Gwahaniaethu”;

• (b) in the English language text after “Fees” insert “, Discrimination”.

Discriminatory terms

Amendments of Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 regarding discrimination

46

• (1) The Welsh language text of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 1) is amended as follows.

• (2) In section 30, after paragraph (d) insert—

(da) mae’n gwahardd landlordiaid rhag ymyrryd â hawl deiliaid contract i gael plant yn byw gyda hwy neu’n ymweld â hwy, neu i’ hawlio budd-daliadau,

.

• (3) After section 54 insert—

(54A) (1) Yn ddarostyngedig i is-adran (2), caniateir i ddeiliad y contract o dan gontract meddiannaeth ganiatáu i berson nad yw wedi cyrraedd 18 oed fyw yn yr annedd neu ymweld â hi. (2) Ni chaniateir i’r landlord o dan gontract meddiannaeth ymyrryd â hawl deiliad y contract o dan is-adran (1) na chyfyngu ar arfer yr hawl honno, oni bai bod yr ymyrryd neu’r cyfyngu yn fodd cymesur o gyflawni nod dilys. (3) Mae’r adran hon yn ddarpariaeth sylfaenol sydd wedi ei hymgorffori fel un o delerau pob contract meddiannaeth, ac eithrio pan fo’r landlord neu uwchlandlord wedi ei yswirio o dan gontract yswiriant— (a) nad yw adran 8H o Ddeddf Rhentu Cartrefi (Ffioedd, Gwahaniaethu etc.) (Cymru) 2019 yn gymwys iddo, a (b) sy’n cynnwys teler sy’n gwneud darpariaeth (sut bynnag y’i mynegir) yn ei gwneud yn ofynnol i’r sawl sydd wedi ei yswirio wahardd y deiliad contract rhag bod â pherson nad yw wedi cyrraedd 18 oed yn byw gydag ef neu’n ymweld ag ef yn yr annedd neu gyfyngu’r amgylchiadau lle caniateir i ddeiliad y contract fod â pherson o’r fath yn byw gydag ef neu’n ymweld ag ef yn yr annedd. (54B) (1) Ni chaniateir i’r landlord o dan gontract meddiannaeth wahardd deiliad y contract rhag bod yn hawlydd budd-daliadau o fewn yr ystyr a roddir gan adran 8J o Ddeddf Rhentu Cartrefi (Ffioedd, Gwahaniaethu etc.) (Cymru) 2019. (2) Mae’r adran hon yn ddarpariaeth sylfaenol sydd wedi ei hymgorffori fel un o delerau pob contract meddiannaeth, ac eithrio pan fo’r landlord neu uwchlandlord wedi ei yswirio o dan gontract yswiriant— (a) nad yw adran 8H o Ddeddf Rhentu Cartrefi (Ffioedd, Gwahaniaethu etc.) (Cymru) 2019 yn gymwys iddo, a (b) sy’n cynnwys teler sy’n gwneud darpariaeth (sut bynnag y’i mynegir) yn ei gwneud yn ofynnol i’r sawl sydd wedi ei yswirio wahardd deiliad y contract rhag hawlio taliadau a grybwyllir yn is-adran (1).

• (4) In Schedule 1 (overview of fundamental provisions incorporated as terms of occupation contracts), in Table 3 in Part 1, Table 4 in Part 2 and Table 5 in Part 3, at the appropriate place in each insert—

Adran 54A	Rhaid i L beidio ag ymyrryd â hawl D-C i fod â phersonau o dan 18 oed yn ymweld â’r annedd neu’n byw yno
Adran 54B	Rhaid i L beidio â gwahardd D-C rhag hawlio budd-daliadau lles

.

• (5) The English language text of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 1) is amended as follows.

• (6) In section 30, after paragraph (d) insert—

(da) it prohibits landlords from interfering with contract-holders having children live with or visit them, or claiming benefits,

.

• (7) After section 54 insert—

(54A) (1) Subject to subsection (2), the contract-holder under an occupation contract may permit a person who has not reached the age of 18 to live in or visit the dwelling. (2) The landlord under an occupation contract must not interfere with or restrict the exercise of the contract-holder’s right under subsection (1), unless the interference or restriction is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. (3) This section is a fundamental provision which is incorporated as a term of all occupation contracts, except where the landlord or a superior landlord is insured under a contract of insurance— (a) to which section 8H of the Renting Homes (Fees, Discrimination etc.) (Wales) Act 2019 does not apply, and (b) which contains a term which makes provision (however expressed) requiring the insured to prohibit the contract-holder from having a person who has not reached the age of 18 live with or visit them at the dwelling or to restrict the circumstances in which the contract-holder may have such a person live with or visit them at the dwelling. (54B) (1) The landlord under an occupation contract must not prohibit the contract-holder from being a benefits claimant within the meaning given by section 8J of the Renting Homes (Fees, Discrimination etc.) (Wales) Act 2019. (2) This section is a fundamental provision which is incorporated as a term of all occupation contracts, unless the landlord or a superior landlord is insured under a contract of insurance— (a) to which section 8H of the Renting Homes (Fees, Discrimination etc.) (Wales) Act 2019 does not apply, and (b) which contains a term which makes provision (however expressed) requiring the insured to prohibit the contract-holder from claiming payments mentioned in subsection (1).

• (8) In Schedule 1 (overview of fundamental provisions incorporated as terms of occupation contracts), in Table 3 in Part 1, Table 4 in Part 2 and Table 5 in Part 3, at the appropriate place in each insert—

Section 54A	L must not interfere with C-H’s right to have persons under 18 visit or live at the dwelling
Section 54B	L must not prohibit C-H from claiming welfare benefits

.

Supplementary

Power of Welsh Ministers to protect others

47

• (1) If the Welsh Ministers are satisfied that—

• (a) a discriminatory rental practice exists in relation to dwellings that may be the subject of occupation contracts (“relevant rental dwellings”), and

• (b) because of that discriminatory rental practice, the victims of that practice are significantly less likely to obtain the grant, renewal or continuance of occupation contracts than other people,

the Welsh Ministers may make regulations prohibiting that discriminatory rental practice.

• (2) A “discriminatory rental practice” exists in relation to relevant rental dwellings if some or all relevant persons—

• (a) on the basis that people are members of a particular group, prevent those people from—

• (i) enquiring whether relevant rental dwellings are available for rent,

• (ii) accessing information about relevant rental dwellings,

• (iii) viewing relevant rental dwellings in order to consider whether to seek to rent them, or

• (iv) obtaining the grant, renewal or continuance of occupation contracts in respect of relevant rental dwellings, or

• (b) apply a provision, criterion or practice in order to make a particular group of people less likely to obtain the grant, renewal or continuance of occupation contracts of relevant rental dwellings than people not in that group.

• (3) The “victims” of a discriminatory rental practice are—

• (a) where a particular group of people are prevented from doing the things mentioned in subsection (2)(a), the people in that group;

• (b) where a provision, criterion or practice is applied in order to make a particular group of people less likely to obtain the grant, renewal or continuance of occupation contracts as mentioned in subsection (2)(b), the people in that group.

• (4) Regulations “prohibiting” a discriminatory rental practice are regulations relating to—

• (a) the discriminatory rental practice, and

• (b) the persons who are the victims of it,

which make provision corresponding to the relevant anti-discrimination legislation.

• (5) The relevant anti-discrimination legislation is—

• (a) Part 2A of the Renting Homes (Fees, Discrimination etc.) (Wales) Act 2019, except for section 8C(b), and

• (b) Chapter 6A of Part 3 of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016;

but regulations under this section may make provision corresponding to the provision that may be made under section 8C(b) of the Renting Homes (Fees, Discrimination etc.) (Wales) Act 2019.

• (6) Before making regulations prohibiting a discriminatory rental practice, the Welsh Ministers must consult such of the following persons as the Welsh Ministers consider appropriate—

• (a) victims of the discriminatory rental practice or one or more representatives of such persons;

• (b) landlords and prospective landlords under occupation contracts or one or more representatives of such persons;

• (c) other landlords and prospective landlords under leases of premises that consist of or include a dwelling or one or more representatives of such persons;

• (d) mortgagees of dwellings or one or more representatives of such persons;

• (e) insurers of dwellings or one or more representatives of such persons;

• (f) local housing authorities or one or more representatives of local housing authorities.

• (7) For that purpose a “representative” of persons of a particular kind, or of local housing authorities, is a body or other person which appears to the Welsh Ministers to represent the interests of persons of that kind, or of local housing authorities.

• (8) Regulations under this section may amend, repeal or revoke provision made from time to time by or under the relevant anti-discrimination legislation.

• (9) In this section—

• “benefits claimant” has the meaning given by section 8J of the Renting Homes (Fees, Discrimination etc.) (Wales) Act 2019;

• “local housing authority” means the council for a county or county borough in Wales;

• “occupation contract” has the same meaning as in the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (see section 7 of that Act);

• “relevant person” has the meaning given by section 8J of the Renting Homes (Fees, Discrimination etc.) (Wales) Act 2019.

Power of Secretary of State to protect others

48

The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision that the Welsh Ministers could make under section 47 but for the limitation in section 49.

Regulations

49

Regulations under section 8C of the Renting Homes (Fees, Discrimination etc.) (Wales) Act 2019 (as inserted by this Act) or section 47 of this Act may only make provision which would be within the legislative competence of Senedd Cymru if contained in an Act of the Senedd.

Chapter 5 — Discrimination in the rental market: Scotland

Discrimination and discriminatory terms: children and benefits status

Discrimination relating to children or benefits status

50

• (1) The Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 19) is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (4).

• (2) After section 6 insert—

(6A) (1) It is an offence for a relevant person to, in relation to a property that is to be let on an agreement which may give rise to a private residential tenancy— (a) prevent a person, on the basis that the relevant person believes that the property would or may be used by a child if the property were the person’s home, from— (i) enquiring whether the property is available for let, (ii) accessing information about the property, (iii) viewing the property in order to consider whether to seek to rent it, or (iv) entering into a tenancy of the property, or (b) apply a provision, criterion or practice in order to make people who would allow the property to be used by a child less likely to enter into a tenancy of the property than people who would not. (2) It is a defence for the relevant person to show— (a) that the conduct is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim, or (b) that the property is insured under an excluded contract of insurance and the conduct is a means of preventing the insured from breaching the term which causes the contract to be an excluded contract of insurance. (3) Conduct does not constitute an offence under subsection (1) if it consists only of— (a) things done by a person who does nothing in relation to the property other than one or more of the following things— (i) publishing advertisements or disseminating information, (ii) providing a means by which a prospective landlord can communicate directly with a prospective tenant, (iii) providing a means by which a prospective tenant can communicate directly with a prospective landlord, or (b) things of a description, or things done by a person of a description, specified for the purposes of this section in regulations made by the Scottish Ministers. (4) A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale. (5) For the purpose of this section— (a) a property is used by a child if a child lives with or visits a person at the property, (b) a contract of insurance is an excluded contract of insurance if— (i) section 52 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (terms in insurance contracts relating to children or benefits status) does not apply to it, and (ii) it contains a term which makes provision (however expressed) requiring the insured to prohibit a tenant under a private residential tenancy from allowing a child to use the property, or to restrict the circumstances in which such a tenant may allow a child to do so. (6B) (1) It is an offence for a relevant person to, in relation to a property that is to be let on an agreement which may give rise to a private residential tenancy— (a) prevent a person, on the basis of the person’s benefits status, from— (i) enquiring whether the property is available for let, (ii) accessing information about the property, (iii) viewing the property in order to consider whether to seek to rent it, or (iv) entering into a tenancy of the property, or (b) apply a provision, criterion or practice in order to make people who are or who, if the property were their home, may become benefits claimants less likely to enter into a tenancy of the property than people who are not. (2) It is a defence for the relevant person to show that the property is insured under an excluded contract of insurance and the conduct is a means of preventing the insured from breaching the term which causes the contract to be an excluded contract of insurance. (3) Conduct does not constitute an offence under subsection (1) if it consists only of— (a) things done by a person who does nothing in relation to the property other than one or more of the following things— (i) publishing advertisements or disseminating information, (ii) providing a means by which a prospective landlord can communicate directly with a prospective tenant, (iii) providing a means by which a prospective tenant can communicate directly with a prospective landlord, or (b) things of a description, or things done by a person of a description, specified for the purposes of this section in regulations made by the Scottish Ministers. (4) A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale. (5) For the purpose of this section— (a) something is done on the basis of a person’s benefits status if it is done on the basis that the relevant person believes that the person is, or may be or, if the property were the person’s home, may become a benefits claimant, (b) a contract of insurance is an excluded contract of insurance if— (i) section 52 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (terms in insurance contracts relating to children or benefits status) does not apply to it, and (ii) it contains a term which makes provision (however expressed) requiring the insured to prohibit a tenant under a private residential tenancy from being a benefits claimant. (6C) (1) A term of a private residential tenancy is of no effect so far as the term makes provision (however expressed)— (a) prohibiting the tenant from having a child live with or visit the tenant at the property or restricting the circumstances in which the tenant may have a child do so, or (b) prohibiting the tenant from being a benefits claimant. (2) But— (a) subsection (1)(a) does not apply if the provision is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim, (b) subsection (1)(a) and (b) does not apply to the extent that the landlord is insured under an excluded contract of insurance and the provision in the tenancy is a means of preventing the landlord from breaching the term which causes the contract to be an excluded contract of insurance. (3) For the purpose of subsection (2)(b), a contract of insurance is an excluded contract of insurance if— (a) section 52 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (terms in insurance contracts relating to children or benefits status) does not apply to it, and (b) it contains a term which makes provision (however expressed) requiring the landlord— (i) to prohibit the tenant from having a child live with or visit the tenant at the property or to restrict the circumstances in which the tenant may have a child live with or visit the tenant at the property, or (ii) to prohibit the tenant from being a benefits claimant. (6D) Nothing in this Part prohibits taking a person’s income into account when considering whether that person would be able to afford to pay rent under a private residential tenancy. (6E) In this Part— - “benefits claimant” means a person who— is entitled to payments (including payments made directly to a landlord) under or by virtue of benefits and welfare legislation, or is entitled, by virtue of section 80 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, to a reduction in the amount of council tax payable in respect of the property on the basis of income or an entitlement to a payment mentioned in paragraph (a), - “benefits and welfare legislation” means— the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, the Jobseekers Act 1995, the State Pension Credit Act 2002, the Tax Credits Act 2002, the Welfare Reform Act 2007, the Welfare Reform Act 2012, the Pensions Act 2014, the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018, - “child” means a person under the age of 18, - “prospective landlord” means a person who proposes to let a property on an agreement which may give rise to a private residential tenancy, - “prospective tenant” means a person seeking to find a property to rent, - “relevant person”, in relation to a property, means— the prospective landlord, a person acting or purporting to act directly or indirectly on behalf of the prospective landlord.

• (3) Before section 76, insert—

(75A) (1) Nothing in Part 1A makes the Crown criminally liable. (2) But the Court of Session may, on an application by the Lord Advocate, declare unlawful any act or omission for which the Crown would be criminally liable were it not for subsection (1). (3) Subsection (1) does not affect the criminal liability of persons in the service of the Crown.

• (4) In section 77 (regulation-making powers), in subsection (4), after “sections” insert “6A(3)(b), 6B(3)(b),”.

• (5) The Housing (Scotland) Act 1988 is amended in accordance with subsection (6).

• (6) After section 26 insert—

(26A) (1) A term of an assured tenancy is of no effect so far as the term makes provision (however expressed)— (a) prohibiting the tenant from having a child live with or visit the tenant at the dwelling or restricting the circumstances in which the tenant may have a child do so, or (b) prohibiting the tenant from being a benefits claimant. (2) But— (a) subsection (1)(a) does not apply if the provision is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim, and (b) subsection (1)(a) and (b) does not apply to the extent that the landlord is insured under an excluded contract of insurance and the provision in the tenancy is a means of preventing the landlord from breaching the term which causes the contract to be an excluded contract of insurance. (3) For the purpose of subsection (2)(b), a contract of insurance is an excluded contract of insurance if— (a) section 52 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (terms in insurance contracts relating to children or benefits status) does not apply to it, and (b) it contains a term which makes provision (however expressed) requiring the landlord— (i) to prohibit the tenant from having a child live with or visit the tenant at the dwelling or to restrict the circumstances in which the tenant may have a child live with or visit the tenant at the dwelling, or (ii) to prohibit the tenant from being a benefits claimant. (4) In this section— - “benefits claimant” means a person who— is entitled to payments (including payments made directly to a landlord) under or by virtue of benefits and welfare legislation, or is entitled, by virtue of section 80 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, to a reduction in the amount of council tax payable in respect of the property on the basis of income or an entitlement to a payment mentioned in paragraph (a), - “benefits and welfare legislation” means— the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, the Jobseekers Act 1995, the State Pension Credit Act 2002, the Tax Credits Act 2002, the Welfare Reform Act 2007, the Welfare Reform Act 2012, the Pensions Act 2014, the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018, - “child” means a person under the age of 18.

• (7) The Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 is amended in accordance with subsection (8).

• (8) After section 101 insert—