Major reforms under the Renters’ Rights Act are now in place that will transform renting in Coventry.
To support private sector landlords and answer any questions that they have, the Council is hosting a drop-in session on Thursday 21 May from 6.15 to 8pm at the Council House Earl Street.
There is no need to book, just call in.
The Government has introduced the Renters’ Rights Bill, officially law from 1 May as the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, marking the most significant reform to the private rented sector in over 30 years.
Attendees can drop in to watch either of two 15 minute explainer presentations at 6.30pm and 7pm. There will be plenty of opportunities to discuss how this affects both Coventry landlords and their tenants.
The Act will affect around 35,000 households in the private rented sector in Coventry.
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
Cllr Naeem Akhtar, Cabinet Member for 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. We have been discussing the changes with landlords but wanted to stage the event next week to give people the chance to discuss the changes and ask any questions.”
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.