Bristol Council’s plan to increase fines for landlords of vulnerable tenants will restrict supply, warns Paul Shamplina.
2nd Mar 20261 550 1 minute read Simon Cairnes
Landlords in Bristol could face financial penalty increases for any breaches of the rules if their tenants are deemed “vulnerable”, under proposals that critics say may deter landlords from housing those most in need.
20% premiumThe council wants to introduce a two-tier penalty system that would add a 20% premium to fines where breaches involve tenants that are classed as vulnerable — including asylum seekers, people with drug or alcohol addiction, young adults and children, and those on low incomes.
Under the plans, failure to provide safety certificates or declarations on request would carry a £12,000 fine, rising to £14,400 where the tenant meets the council’s broad vulnerability definition. Bristol also wants higher penalties for landlords charging above Local Housing Allowance levels, meaning a further 10% uplift could be applied where a landlord already penalised for a rule breach is charging above LHA rates.
It sets a worrying precedent.”
Paul Shamplina, of Landlord Action, says landlords must comply with safety and licensing rules but warns the premium could create an “endless escalation” of fines. He adds: “Measures like this could further reduce the supply of landlords willing to accommodate vulnerable tenants… It sets a worrying precedent.”
Bristol could become the first authority to use new Renters’ Rights Act powers in this way, with the National Residential Landlords Association telling the Telegraph it is unaware of any others adopting a similar approach.
Tom Gilchrist, a housing officer at Bristol City Council, says the aim is to improve standards by “levying quite significant penalties” on non-compliant landlords. He acknowledges that, “For some landlords, it might push them out of the market,” but argues that larger portfolio landlords could replace them.
TagsPaul Shamplina Paul Shamplina of Landlord Action renters' rights act 2nd Mar 20261 550 1 minute read Simon Cairnes Share Facebook X LinkedIn Share via Email
