From Friday the 1st of May 2026, major reforms under the Renters’ Rights Act will transform renting in the city.
The Government has introduced the Renters’ Rights Bill, now officially law as the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, marking the most significant reform to the private rented sector in over 30 years.
The Act will affect around 35,000 households in the private rented sector in Coventry.
Jim Crawshaw, Head of Housing, said: “In Coventry we will be ensuring that local people know about their rights and will be monitoring how landlords respond to the new legislation.
“The new reforms will mean that landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a valid reason.
“This will mean greater security for renters and will reduce the risk and impact of homelessness.”
Key measures include
- Abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions – landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a valid reason from 1 May 2026, giving renters greater security and reducing the risk of homelessness
- Transition to periodic tenancies – fixed-term contracts will be replaced with rolling tenancies, allowing tenants to give two months’ notice at any time.
- Stronger protections for renters – including limits on rent increases (once per year, with two months’ notice), a ban on rental bidding wars, and a new right to request pets
- Updated Rent Repayment Orders – enforcement powers have been strengthened, allowing councils to reclaim rent from landlords who breach legal obligations
- Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law – extended to the private sector, requiring landlords to address serious hazards like damp and mould within set timeframes
- New Ombudsman and Property Portal – a national database and redress scheme will improve transparency and accountability
Adrian Chowns, Head of Safer Housing and Communities, added: “The act introduces new rules, to stop discrimination against people on benefits, banning upfront rent payments, granting rights for tenants with pets and making rental bidding illegal.
“We’ll have enhanced powers to deal with these new breaches, allowing officers to demand information, enter premises and gather evidence for investigations.
“Our housing teams want to ensure both tenants and landlords are well supported, protected and ready for a fairer private rented sector.”
Increased fines against landlords can be up to £7,000 for minor breaches or initial non-compliance, and up to £40,000 for more serious offences.