Additional Licensing Consultation

Proposed new additional licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation 2025-2030

In May 2020, we introduced a City-wide additional house in multiple occupation (HMO) licensing scheme, to ensure residents who live in this sector live in safe and well-maintained homes.

All HMOs in Coventry are now subject to licensing, either under the extended mandatory licensing or under the City-wide additional licensing scheme.

The following HMOs will require an additional license if they are:

• Rented to at least 3 people who are not from the same household but share facilities like a bathroom and kitchen.
• Poorly converted self-contained flats that do not meet building regulations.
• Purpose built student accommodation run by private providers where students live in “cluster” flats where the accommodation is not managed and controlled by educational establishments.

The current additional HMO licensing designation in Coventry is due to come to an end on 4 May 2025 and therefore, a new scheme is being proposed to replace this. If approved, this will start on 5 May 2025.

Additional HMO licensing can provide more powers to help tackle poorly managed privately rented property. Building upon the existing licensing scheme, the Council will continue to improve living conditions for residents living in HMO accommodation and ensure they have a better quality of life.

The new proposed additional licensing scheme is currently out for consultation, and we’d like to hear your thoughts.

Whether you’re a landlord, tenant, local business or a member of the public, please take a few minutes to fill in the survey below or attend one of the drop in sessions on the right hand side of the page.

The deadline for responses is May 17.