A new survey has been launched to gather views from people in a major English city on the idea of introducing rent control across the private rented sector.

But this is despite the fact that the council in question – Labour-controlled Bristol – has no powers whatsoever to introduce such controls.

A statement launching the survey says tent control policies can achieve different things and work in different ways. Different approaches to rent control come with different benefits and carry different risks.

The survey asks people to give their views on three topics: firstly the overall principle and purpose of rent control, secondly key elements that go into the design of a rent control scheme, and finally four possible systems of rent control.

A council body, made up of representatives from across the housing sector including renters, is exploring the issues facing people who rent, and options to tackle the rent crisis in the city. 

Ultimately it is looking at how Bristol can become – in its words – “a living rent city” without having a negative impact on the quality or availability of rental property.

A council spokesperson says: “In Bristol we face a housing crisis. We have more than 19,000 households on our waiting list for social housing, along with over 1,100 households in temporary accommodation. The cost of renting in this city is one key cause alongside the lack of security that renters have in the private rented sector. This is why we set up the Living Rent Commission.

“The commission is investigating issues in the private rented sector in Bristol and how we can better respond to the identified challenges. We want to know if people support the idea of rent control in the city, and if so, how they would like to see it work. This survey asks about broad principles. If a rent control policy were to be introduced, then there are lots more details that would need to be considered.

“The powers needed to ensure the rental market is accessible and works for all do not exist. The powers come from government, so we want to work with Westminster on policy development to reform the private rented sector, enabling Bristol to become a Living Rent City.”

Bristol’s Living Rent Commission was launched in July with the aims to Improve affordability of the private rented sector, understand the impact of regulation on rents, identifying the most effective rent controls, and considering how to empower tenants’ rights.

Co-chair Professor Alex Marsh from the University of Bristol says: “Housing affordability for renters is a pressing issue not just in Bristol but across the country. There is widespread interest in finding effective solutions to the problem. This survey is an opportunity to share your views on key policies that have been proposed as a solution for the sector’s affordability problems.

“The Living Rent Commission is keen to hear from everyone in Bristol who is interested in improving the way the sector operates. We look forward to hearing from a broad range of people. Your views will be an important input into the commission’s discussions.”