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Thank you to Fran Miller from Bristol City Council for the following information. Please note, this is only relevant to private landlords/agents who rent properties in Bristol;
Has there ever been a better time to work with the Bristol City Council Private Renting Team?
Bristol City Council wants to hear from anyone who has a property available for private letting, either immediately or in the coming year.
Due to the Covid-19 crisis, the private lettings and sales market has stalled, with government advice stating that moves should only happen if absolutely necessary or considered an “essential move”. This has left many landlords with empty accommodation and without an income. Letting a property to a person who is experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness is considered an essential move. Working with us, you will be able to let your property and receive a guaranteed rental income.
By renting through the council, you’ll also enjoy a range of other benefits including no agency fees, a free property inspection, fully vetted tenants, and an ongoing comprehensive package of support for both landlord and tenant. The government has also recently increased the rates of Local Housing Allowance. This means the rent you receive will be at or close to rents that can be achieved through the private market.
Here are the increases to the monthly Local Housing Allowance rates:
| Shared Room rate | Studio/One bed | 2 bed | 3 bed | 4 bed | |
| New rate | £391.51 | £695.02 | £824.99 | £950.00 | £1,324.99 |
| Old rate | £315.81 | £585.22 | £710.27 | £848.58 | £1,136.11 |
| Increase per month | £75.70 | £109.8 | £114.72 | £101.42 | £188.88 |
Visit https://www.bristol.gov.uk/private-landlords/get-help-with-renting-out-your-property to find out more or contact the team at private.renting@bristol.gov.uk
Property Licence update for Bristol
No routine licence compliance inspections will be undertaken until further notice. However, where there is an imminent risk to the health and safety of tenants due to conditions in a property, each case will be assessed individually and action will be taken accordingly.
Deadline EXTENDED by three months for Gas & Safety Certificate submission
Working with your tenant
With eviction bans in place during Covid-19 until 30 September 2020, it is vital to keep in contact with your tenant(s). The economy has been heavily impacted and the government has stepped in to support individuals during these unprecedented times by introducing the Coronavirus job retention scheme. In addition, the Local Housing Allowance Rates have been increased from 1 April 2020.
If your tenant is concerned about their ability to pay rent due to illness, furloughing, redundancy or loss of employment, here are some useful links to pass on: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/benefits-financial-help/covid-19-financial-help
You may have concerns about whether tenants who are entitled to housing benefit can manage their monthly payments. If so, you may be able to organise an Alternative Payment Arrangement so rent payments will be paid direct to you. You will need to complete this form by email
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/private-landlords/housing-benefit-information-for-landlords
Email Before You Serve Service
Are you thinking of issuing notice to your tenant as things are not going to plan? Why not contact us to see if we can help you.
The council is committed to saving tenancies, and if you are experiencing problems and your relationship with your tenant is not as it should be, we may be able to help you by offering a mediation service. We can also provide helpful advice and guidance to help try to resolve issues and get the tenancy back on track for both you and your tenant.
Contact us to find out more about our services and find out what we can do for you.
Email: private.renting@bristol.gov.uk
