Tenants dispute 8% rent increase after teenage stabbing in Bristol

Two tenants argued their landlord should not put up rent after a teenager was stabbed ‘within 100 metres’ of their front door. They also said that their home in Sidmouth Gardens in Bedminster was ‘on the doorstep fo the most deprived areas of Bristol’.

Matthew Moncrieff and Marcin Piechowicz took the matter to a tribunal after the landlord, Northwood Bristol, said it was increasing the monthly rent of the modern inner-terraced two-bedroom house by 8%, from £975 to £1,050.

The tribunal, which determined the case in January, received representation from the tenants, who also said that the property had a broken shower fitting, a radiator that did not function well and a broken window blind.

They highlighted the stabbing of a 17-year-old boy in Marksbury Road on August 23 last year. Two teenage boys were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the attack, which triggered an armed police response. And they highlighted that the address is close to the most deprived areas of Bristol, which include Knowle West and Hartcliffe.

However, Northwood, which has an office in Southville, submitted a Rightmove report which showed properties in the area can expect rents of between £1,000 and £1,400 a month.

The tribunal found that the market rent for the property would be £1,000 a month, but knocked off £20 for the lack of a fridge and washing machine and £30 for minor repairs issues. And so, the new rent directed for the property is £1,050 - meaning the tenants lost their case.

Bristol City Council says that private rents in the city have increased by 52% in the past decade, while wages have only risen by 24%. Community union ACORN, which supports tenants facing hikes in rents across the city, wants rent controls which for up to 30% of household income.

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