Coventry City Council has approved a new enforcement policy that will give the city's private renters stronger protections and greater security in their homes.
A Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy 2026-2031 will be set out ahead of the next phase of the Renters' Rights Act 2025, which comes into force on 1 May 2026.
The legislation represents the most significant reform of the private rented sector in a generation.
From 1 May, a range of new protections will apply to private renters in Coventry, including:
- The end of 'no fault' evictions. Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants under Section 21 without a valid legal reason
- Greater security of tenure. Most tenancies will become periodic, meaning tenants can stay in their home for as long as they wish, with the ability to leave on two months' notice
- A ban on rental bidding. Landlords and letting agents will be prohibited from inviting or accepting offers above the advertised rent, or requesting more than one month's rent in advance
- Limits on rent increases. Increases will be capped to once a year, with at least two months' notice required
- Protection from discrimination. It will be illegal for landlords or agents to refuse to rent to someone because they have children or receive benefits
- Pet-friendly renting. Landlords must consider requests to keep pets and provide a valid reason if refusing
The Council's new policy sets out a proportionate approach to enforcement – working with landlords to resolve issues informally where possible but escalating to formal action where standards are not met.
Civil penalties of up to £40,000 can be issued for serious breaches, with revenues ringfenced to fund further enforcement activity.
Coventry has also received funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority to appoint two new apprenticeship posts, supporting the Council to build long-term capacity in its enforcement team.
Councillor Seyi Agboola, Deputy Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “For too long, many private renters have faced insecurity, unpredictable rent increases, and limited recourse when things go wrong.
“These changes mark a genuine turning point. The vast majority of landlords in Coventry are responsible and provide good homes, and this policy supports them too – but it also sends a clear message that poor practice will not be tolerated.
He added: “We want every resident in Coventry to feel secure in the place they call home.”
The Renters' Rights Act gives the Council significantly stronger tools to act against the small minority of landlords who exploit their tenants or allow properties to fall below acceptable standards.
The Council is working with Citizens Advice Bureau and Coventry Law Centre to ensure renters are aware of their new rights. The policy was approved at today’s Council Cabinet meeting.