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In this issue:
We would like to inform landlords of upcoming changes to the Coventry Landlords Accreditation Scheme, which will come into effect on 4 May 2025, when the new Additional Licensing Scheme is introduced. One of the key changes is that the Council will no longer accept DBS checks from licence holders, even if an accredited manager is in place. This change ensures that licence holders have direct knowledge of relevant regulations and housing law, rather than relying solely on their managers to ensure compliance.
Additionally, the eligibility criteria for licence lengths will be simplified, making it clearer when applicants are eligible for different licence durations. These changes will only apply to applications submitted on or after 4 May 2025. Any pending applications or existing licences will not be affected.
The Council’s websites, including Coventry Landlords Accreditation Scheme and HMO Licensing, will be updated in May 2025 to reflect these changes.
We encourage landlords to be proactive and start signing up for the Landlord Accreditation Scheme ahead of the changes. If demand for training sessions is high, we are prepared to add additional dates to accommodate everyone.
As previously highlighted in the last edition of the Landlords Newsletter, the government stated that it proposed to raise the minimum energy efficiency standard required in privately rented homes in England and Wales to the equivalent of a C rating by 2030. It is now consulting in this proposed policy.
Read the proposed policy changes and respond to the consultation.
Henley Ward: A property in Henley Ward had been empty for over a year and was incurring a 100% empty homes premium. After neighbours raised concerns, our Empty Dwellings Officer inspected the property then served a building act notice, and reached out to the owner via email. The owner, who is not local to the area, was encouraged to source local tradespeople. As a result the owner took action, fixed the issues with the guttering, and the property is now rented to a family.
Whoberly Ward: In Whoberly Ward, a property had been empty for over five years, attracting a 200% empty homes premium. The property had been left in disrepair by previous tenants, making the owners hesitant to rent it out again. Our Empty Dwellings Officer visited the property and wrote to the owners, encouraging them to make the property liveable again. The owners responded positively and have now rented the property to a family member who had recently become homeless.
 Let’s Rent offers 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 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 2 years).
The rent will be topped up to the average market rate.
Since October 2023, our Compliance Officer (Fire Safety) has inspected all 55 high rise (over 18 metres) residential buildings in Coventry to ensure they meet Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. A further 21 medium rise (11 – 18 metres) have also been inspected.
The Cladding Safety Scheme is a fund that addresses fire risks associated with cladding on residential buildings. Please tell us about your building's unsafe cladding if you have concerns. Further details about the scheme can be found online.
Landlords and tenants can raise any issues they are concerned about in a block to the Principal Accountable Person (PAP) for the building. The PAP must display their name and contact details in the building.
We rolled out a new approach in January 2025 to tackle waste issues in streets with lots of HMOs. After hearing concerns from residents and councillors, we’re using updated enforcement powers to ensure better waste management and cleaner streets.
Key changes
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Bin rules: We’ll stop bins being left on footpaths to keep them clear for pedestrians.
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Clearing alleyways: Blocked alleys will be cleared using community payback schemes or by the council, with costs charged to occupants if needed.
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Landlord responsibility: Landlords must provide proper bins for tenants under HMO regulations. If not, we’ll enforce this requirement.
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Tenant responsibility: Tenants are responsible for placing the correct waste in the appropriate bins and ensuring that the bins are set out on the designated collection day. If not, we will enforce this.
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Tackling side waste: Excess rubbish left out will result in fines and clean-up costs for the responsible tenants.
Our new Environmental Case Officer will work with Environmental Health Officers to enforce these rules and ensure HMOs meet their waste management obligations. The role is funded by fines, making this plan self-sustaining. By holding not only landlords, but also occupants accountable, we can create cleaner, healthier streets for everyone.
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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