In 2023, Thomas Flight, who was known for living in the Miss Conduct yacht in Bristol Harbour, was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay the council £25,000 for creating false identities and fake letting agencies to deceive his tenants.
Naomi Knapp was banned from being a landlord after dozens of her properties in Bristol were left in appalling conditions.
But it was discovered that she had started renting out properties on Airbnb, external and later signed up to provide temporary accommodation, external for the council.
Councillor Barry Parsons, Bristol’s housing chief, said the council was “committed to taking action” when renters do not have a safe and secure place to call home.
He said the council’s enforcement policy would be discussed by councillors in July and if approved would allow the authority to impose penalties of up to £40,000.
Parsons added last year the council’s private housing team secured improved conditions in 2,717 homes.
“However, when landlords or letting agents do not co-operate, we will take the necessary action to ensure housing conditions are improved.”
He said government funding would be used to grow the private housing team to manage any increase in casework and enforcement.
“The RRA is an important step, but we will continue to seek additional powers to improve conditions in the private rented sector and tackle affordability pressures and the housing crisis in Bristol.”