The council has launched a public consultation — including input from tenants — on how high fines should be for landlords who break the rules.

Renters and landlords in Bristol are being asked for their views on the penalties that will apply from May under the new Renters Rights Act.

The Act introduces fines of up to £7,000 for breaches and up to £40,000 for more serious offences, giving councils significantly expanded powers to regulate landlords.

A council has opened a public consultation, inviting tenants as well as landlords to comment on the level of fines for rule-breaking property owners.

In Bristol, both groups are being asked for feedback on the penalties due to come into force in May under the Renters Rights Act.

The legislation sets out fines of up to £7,000 for breaches and up to £40,000 for offences, and hands councils far greater authority to enforce standards in the private rented sector.

The consultation states: “There are some starting levels and factors which the council does have discretion on.

• Starting levels for licence condition offences and electrical safety regulation breaches;

• How we interpret and apply adjustments to specific aggravating and mitigating factor;

• We are also proposing that breaches under the Electrical Safety regulations affecting privately rented properties will also follow this new policy.”

The consultation is available until later March.

Green councillor Barry Parsons, who chairs Bristol’s housing committee, described the move as “a watershed moment for renters.

“This is an excellent piece of legislation and the biggest transformation and boost to renters’ rights in over a generation. 

“This council will be grabbing the opportunities it presents with both hands … to bring the biggest benefits that we possibly can to renters.”