Redland landlord fined £11,000 for misleading Bristol student tenants over deposits

A Bristol landlord has been fined £11,000 after misleading students tenants about their tenancy agreements and overcharging them for deposits.

Josefine Velasquez of Hampton Road in Redland, pleaded guilty to three offences under trading standards regulations at Bristol Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday, 8th April.

The case followed an investigation by Bristol City Council into complaints raised by student tenants between 2022 and 2024.

The council’s investigation revealed that Ms Velasquez advertised deposits at lower amounts than she later demanded from tenants. She also provided inaccurate information about their tenancy rights, allowing her to collect more money than legally permitted.

According to the council, these practices affected at least two groups of student tenants over a two year period.

After being informed that she would face prosecution, 62-year-old Ms Velazquez refunded a total of £6,924 to the affected tenants. However, the court proceeded with charges, citing a pattern of misleading behaviours and a failure to uphold legal responsibilities as a landlord.

Hampton Road, via Google Maps

District Judge Matthews imposed the £11,000 fine and ordered Ms Velazquez to cooperate with Bristol City Council in future housing matters.

He acknowledged the specific pressures faced by student renters, highlighting the “vulnerability” of young people who feel rushed to secure accommodation at short notice.

Councillor Richard Eddy, vice chair of the homes and housing delivery committee, said: “We want to make sure that tenants feel confident speaking up when they have an issue with their landlord, and we will look at taking action against any Bristol landlord or agent who systematically misleads their tenants.”

He added: “We take the rights of tenants very seriously and will continue to take action against landlords who fail in their duties.”

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The council has urged other student tenants who believe they may have been misled or overcharged to come forward and report issues.

The case has also reignited discussions around the treatment of students in Bristol’s private rental sector, particularly in high demand areas like Redland and Cotham.

If you’re having problems with your landlord, you can find out what options are available to you here.

Featured image credit via Google Maps