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In this issue:
Housing enforcement is moving to new software system on 5 February 2024. From this date onwards new complaints about disrepair, illegal eviction and harassment will be processed on our software.
If you wish to submit a complaint about disrepair, illegal eviction and harassment after 5 February 2024 then you will have to do this via our webpage. If you have not used our Online Portal before, you will need to register first.
The Coventry Landlord Accreditation Scheme (CLAS) was introduced in Coventry in April 2019. The purpose of the scheme is to improve the condition and management of properties in the private rented sector here in Coventry. We educate, encourage, acknowledge and actively promote good standards of practice to ensure improvement in the private rented sector.
We currently have 1090 accredited landlords and 136 accredited agents. We have conducted 59 free training sessions, which cover a variety of areas of housing law.
Each CLAS certificate is issued for 5 years, which means that accreditations issued in 2019 will expire this year. In order to renew your accreditation, you must submit a CLAS renewal application. If you have not used our Online Portal before, you will need to register first.
As part of the renewal process, you will be asked to complete an online test, which will confirm your knowledge of all the modules we cover during our CLAS training sessions. If you fail the test – do not worry, you will be asked to sit the next available training session to refresh your knowledge.
Please note that this is your responsibility to renew your accreditation before it expires. We advise to check your CLAS certificate to see when it is due for renewal.
If you have any enquiries regarding CLAS accreditation, please contact our CLAS team.
Coventry City Council is working with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) on a project to improve the quality and safety of private rented properties in parts of Foleshill Ward. The project, called Pathfinder, will inspect the properties for any hazards or defects that may affect the health and safety of tenants and the wider community.
The Council will contact the owners and tenants of the properties in the project areas and advise them of any action they need to take to comply with the legislation. The Council also invites landlords to join the Coventry Landlord Accreditation Scheme (CLAS), a free and voluntary scheme that offers training, recognition and reduced fees for property licences.
The Pathfinder Project aims to promote good practice and high standards in the private rented sector, and to improve the living conditions and well-being of the tenants and the neighbourhoods. The Council has set up a webpage and a phone number for more information and queries: Pathfinder Project in Coventry and 024 7697 2236.
 
The Council has secured funding to support approximately 150 off-gas homes across Coventry. We will be delivering the scheme in partnership with our customer journey support, Act on Energy and our delivery partner E.ON.
The funding scheme (Homes Upgrade Grant 2) is available to improve the energy efficiency of privately rented properties that are off the gas network (no central heating system installed).
The energy-saving improvements can be installed if the tenant of the property is on a qualifying means-tested benefit or has a low income and the property has a low EPC rating. With government funding, any qualifying upgrades can be installed for a third of their original cost.
To qualify for the funding:
- Your tenant will need to either claim one of the listed means-tested benefits or have a household income of £31k or less*
- The property needs to be off the gas network.
- The EPC of the property needs to be D or E.
Please visit the E.ON website to learn more.
Your tenants can register their interest online or can call Act on Energy on 0800 988 2881
*Additional eligibility criteria can be found on the web pages
Let's Rent has listened to landlords' feedback and made changes.
They still offer the rent guarantee and other benefits such as a managed scheme for peace of mind, deposit, bonus payment to private sector landlords who want to work with the Council by providing tenancies in order to alleviate homelessness in the city.
Let’s Rent is a completely free service so contact us to find out more.
Email the team: LetsRentCoventry@coventry.gov.uk
They will guarantee rent payments up to the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate for the period of the tenancy (up to two years).
The rent will be topped up to the average market rate.
National Trading Standards has published a new ‘Material Information’ guidance for property agents.
For more information about their work with industry to support agents please see the below links:
Your old water supply pipes are your responsibility to maintain and could cost you up to £3,000 to replace per property.
Severn Trent can upgrade your lead or leaking water supply pipes at no cost to you. It’s part of an ambitious project to upgrade their network across Coventry up to March 2025.
Visit Severn Trent’s webpage to find out more and register your residential property today using their online form.
Only register for one property and when they call you to arrange an inspection, explain you own multiple properties.
Potential benefits for you and your tenants:
- Reduces the risk of leaks as pipes age, saving you money and hassle in the long run.
- Removes old lead pipes (lead was commonly used in homes built before 1970).
- A new industry standard pipe has the potential to help improve the water flow or pressure.
- A smart meter will be installed to help your tenants measure water usage (it won’t change how they get billed by Severn Trent, but if you can save money they’ll let you know).
We want to work with you to improve housing in the city. If you want to get in touch with any questions please, contact the team:
Email: hmo@coventry.gov.uk
Telephone: 024 7697 5467
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