Bristol students describe ‘awful’ homes and ruthless landlords

Students in Bristol are being taken advantage of by ‘exploitative landlords’, according to a scathing new report into the city’s housing crisis. Research by a group at Bristol University has labeled the rental experience in Bristol, the most expensive city to rent outside of London, as “appalling”.

The research, carried out by Bristol Students’ Union (BSU) at the University of Bristol, was launched on January 29 to gain a deeper insight into Bristol’s rent crisis. Around 30,000 students have to rent to attend the University of Bristol each year and the survey received 570 responses.

The research suggested that appalling conditions, lack of availability, ‘exploitative landlords’ and rising costs have a big impact on struggling students.

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One student wrote: “The condition of the student housing is appalling, the properties are not maintained, most contain mold which is extremely dangerous. The monthly price that students pay is not at all reflected in the quality of accommodation.

“The University of Bristol should provide support in defending the rights of its students to decent, safe and affordable housing and not allow landlords to take advantage of its students.”

In 2024, 32% of respondents reported paying between £601 and £700 per month in rent, excluding bills. This is despite rising maintenance credits not matching UK inflation, meaning students are struggling even more in Bristol.

In similar research carried out in the 2014-2015 academic year, students paid an average monthly rent of £396. In 2024, just four per cent of respondents paid less than £500 a month in rent.

The survey also found that 37% of students said the cost of their housing had a “significant negative impact” on their university experience. 31% said the condition of their homes had the same impact, while 20% said they had a “very negative” experience with their landlords.

The Bristol Living Rent Commission 2023 report found that the average private rent in Bristol is increasing by 12.9% annually, leading to students working longer hours alongside their studies. One student reported working 20-hour-a-week night shifts, while another described how their monthly rent had risen from £600 to £1,000.

Students have complained that the process of finding a suitable house in Bristol is extremely poor. All students from under-represented groups who contributed to the survey said they had a negative experience of housing in Bristol.

BSU student officer Izzy Russell commissioned the survey as part of the My Rent, My Rights campaign.

She said: “This housing research has been one of my biggest goals at work – and the results are proof why. I have experienced the appalling conditions of student rentals and this is not an isolated incident.

“It is disappointing that students continue to pay high prices for poor living conditions and long commutes. Universities, councils and Government are detached from the reality of student life and we commissioned this survey to gather tangible evidence and drive change. The university is playing a role in the current bed shortage crisis, continuing to expand student numbers without increasing support.

“Students are vulnerable to exploitative landlords and their well-being and academic life are adversely affected. The national government also has responsibility – student loans should be raised to reflect rising rents and rent caps should be implemented. As seen in the recent Tenancy Reform Bill, little has been done to support students and we are in crisis.”

A University of Bristol spokesman said: “Bristol is a popular city for both students and non-students, so demand for private rental properties is growing.