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In Disrepair: Bristol’s broken renting system

It’s no secret that renting in Bristol can be a nightmare, from spiralling costs to high demand, poor conditions, discrimination and insecurity.

This series will tell the stories of renters in Bristol, dig into how the pandemic has affected the crisis, and, crucially, what can be done about it. We will join the dots between local issues and the wider housing crisis in the UK, holding the council and central government to account on pledges for action.

We are now investigating rogue landlords and poor living conditions, so you can share you experience confidentially here.

Illustration: Sophia Checkley

How Bristol needs to tackle its renting crisis, according to the Greens

While it’s so difficult to build enough houses, landlord licensing across the city and rent controls are needed to make renting more secure and affordable, write Green councillors Tony Dyer and Tom Hathway.

What next for Bristol’s renting crisis?

Politicians and campaigners gathered to discuss how we can transform renting in Bristol and push the government to pursue long-promised reform.

Would a database that names and shames rogue landlords help protect renters?

London renters can access a searchable database of enforcement actions against landlords. Could something similar help people navigate the minefield of finding somewhere to live in Bristol?

Bristol is exploring the idea of rent controls. But will they help fix a broken system?

Campaigners are demanding the city’s political leaders lobby the government for local power to introduce regulation in response to steep rent rises.

The Cable’s super helpful guide to renting…

Finding somewhere to rent in Bristol is tough, so we’ve put together a handy guide to help you navigate the various challenges.

MP urges council to stop housing families at Imperial Apartments, as documents reveal concerns over ‘incompetent’ security

Documents seen by the Cable confirm issues reported by residents at the controversial South Bristol apartment block.

Council commits to crackdown on benefit discrimination against renters

Following a renter-led campaign by Shelter, councillors from across parties voted to support the Labour motion pledging to tackle landlords excluding renters who claim benefits.

Have you experienced problems with your landlord since the pandemic started?

We want to investigate rogue landlords, poor conditions and council enforcement to help inform the debate on solutions.

Have your say

‘Marginalised people are worse affected by the housing crisis’: the Bristol renters facing discrimination and bias

Bristol City Council have pledged to stamp out discrimination in the private rental sector. But it’s not always clear cut.

How my experiences of renting in Bristol pushed me to campaign for a fairer system

Kate Bower has now left Bristol after struggling to rent in the city and facing discrimination for years. But now she is determined to help make much-needed changes happen.

‘I pay more in rent than I ever did on a mortgage’: renting in your 40s, 50s and 60s

Renting isn't just for young people. Older renters in Bristol thrown ‘curveballs’ by life are being left financially insecure by the rental market.

‘Absolutely hopeless’: Bristol’s young renters on the crazy demand for rooms in the city

Places are snapped up in minutes, landlords are inundated with requests for viewings, and renters are even being forced into bidding wars over properties.

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