Bristol City Council has announced a new civil penalty policy for private housing offences, introducing potential fines of up to £35,000 for landlords. This policy aims to reflect changes brought in by the Renters' Rights Act.
The council states that these civil penalties will be applied "proportionately", with a focus on addressing poor housing conditions and safeguarding tenants. Offences like unlawful eviction or harassment could incur a £35,000 fine, while knowingly relying on an unusable possession ground could lead to a £30,000 penalty. Failure to comply with an Improvement Notice carries a £25,000 fine, and not licensing an HMO when required could result in a £17,000 fine.
Bristol Council has also issued new guidance for landlords on how to prevent and address anti-social behaviour among tenants. This guidance suggests setting clear expectations, addressing concerns early, and including anti-social behaviour clauses in tenancy agreements. For licensed properties, recommendations include obtaining tenant references, monitoring properties, and providing contact details to neighbours where required.
The council advises that compliant landlords should not be concerned by the higher penalty levels, as these are aimed at those who do not meet existing standards. Their stated goal is to ensure penalties are fair, consistent, and effective in deterring poor practices, ultimately improving standards for tenants across the city.