Retaliatory eviction
The Council will investigate complaints of harassment and illegal eviction. Where a complaint is received the case officer will contact you to advise accordingly.
From 1 May 2026 a landlord cannot legally serve a Section 21 Notice. Instead, they must serve a Section 8 Notice citing one of the legal grounds for possession.
If you complain to a private landlord about repairs or bad conditions you may be protected from eviction.
For assured periodic tenancies a court can refuse to order your eviction if all these apply:
- Your landlord did not follow the correct procedure for serving a Section 8 ground for possession
- Your deposit was not protected in a government-approved deposit scheme
- You complained to your landlord or letting agent in writing (by letter or email)
- Your landlord issued an illegal section 21 notice
- You complained to the local council because your landlord didn't take steps to fix the problem
- The Council sent your landlord a notice telling them to make improvements or that the council will carry out emergency work
Housing Enforcement
Open 9am–5pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays)
Address: Coventry City CouncilPO Box 7097
Coventry
CV6 9SL
