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In response to Bristol City Council’s new consultation launch, Cllr Denyer said:
“I’m delighted that the Council is looking to take stronger action on regulating landlords – this is a clear step in the right direction for renters’ rights in Bristol. For years – as a councillor and before I was elected – I have been campaigning for policies that work towards appropriate and affordable housing for everyone. This includes housing built and maintained to high environmental standards (for the sake of our bills and for preventing climate change), introducing rent controls, and regulating landlords.
“There is still a long way to go, but landlord licensing is a very important tool for protecting the rights of tenants. It will bring up the standard of rented properties across the city. And importantly, permitting local authorities to inspect privately-rented property as a matter of course will protect tenants from the revenge evictions that too-often follow when tenants make complaints.
“If you are or have been a private tenant in a shared house, or are the parent, sibling or friend of someone who is (that’s most of us!), please take a few minutes to respond to this consultation supporting the proposal.”
Background
– Councillor Denyer has been campaigning on this issue for a while. For example, this press release from August 2016.
– Licensing places conditions on the landlord/agent to ensure that minimum property standards are met and that good management practice is delivered. Advice and guidance on the necessary improvements required to ensure the property complies with licensing conditions is also offered. Where landlords do not meet the required condition standards, enforcement action may follow.
– People can find out more and have their say by filling in a survey available online at www.bristol.gov.uk/licensingscheme. Alternative formats or paper copies of the information can be requested by emailing private.housing@bristol.gov.uk or calling 0117 922 2066 and leaving contact details. Paper copies will also be available from local libraries and the Customer Service Point at 100 Temple Street.
– The consultation closes on May 13, 2018.