COLCHESTER has been named as the worst offender for landlords refusing to rent to people on benefits.

A study has found 29.76 per cent of property listings included references to ‘no DSS’.

DSS stands for the former Department of Social Security and is used to encompass people who receive state handouts.

The next worst locations, in the data complied by firm Thomas Sanderson, were Wakefield with 28 per cent and West Bromwich with 26.92 per cent.

In Oxford and Bath, only one per cent of landlords stipulated against DSS renters.

The study came as MPs called for landlords and letting agents to drop the phrase.

One mum, who asked not to be named, said the stigma surrounding the term makes it almost impossible for renters to find a home.

When she first moved to Colchester in 2012 she was employed but a number of mental health and health issues meant she is now unable to work.

“I’m stuck in the house I rent now because no landlords want anyone in their property who is on benefits,” she said.

“Most houses I inquired about said no DSS or housing benefit. Some didn’t but as soon as it was mentioned, I was told no, sorry.

“I have even requested to meet the landlords at viewings with my children so the stigma was possibly removed.”

The mum said she was told the only way she could secure a property was to hand over 12 months rent up front and have a guarantor who earns more than £35,000.

“With housing benefits you can choose to have it paid directly to the landlord but this doesn’t make any difference, they just don’t want to know.

“We are a respectable family and I have worked all my life until my breakdown and now it seems appearance doesn’t cut it either.”