Bristol has taken the unwelcome title of England's least affordable city for renters, with new data revealing that nearly half of tenants' wages are being spent on rent.
Hannah Wallace-Burns, 30, is one such tenant. She pays £1,200 a month for a one-bedroom flat in south Bristol, leaving her with limited funds for everyday expenses. 'It's work, come home, sleep, work, come home, sleep,' she explained. 'I've had to sacrifice socialising and holidays – it's just too expensive.'
The Bristol Fair Renting Campaign has long highlighted the city's rental crisis, and its member Ruth Day said: 'We're seeing renters being priced out of their homes on a daily basis. They struggle to make ends meet, and it's astonishing how much landlords take from them just for a roof over their head.'
Not everyone agrees that rent caps would be the solution. Ben Giles, founder of The Balloon Letting Company, argued: 'Limiting rents could reduce supply and make property ownership unviable for landlords.' He warned that this would ultimately harm tenants in the short term.
For those like Emily Edwards, 27, who share a two-bedroom flat in Southville with friends, leaving Bristol is not an option. They spend 40% of their wages on £1,300 a month rent. 'My job, partner, friends and community are all here,' she said. 'Leaving would be devastating for my mental health.'