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In this issue:
The Renters’ Rights Bill continues to move through Parliament and is now in the final stages with amendments being considered. This stage typically involves final amendments before the Bill returns to the House of Commons on 8 September for further consideration. Please see the key amendments at the current stage:
Student tenancy grounds extended
Ground 4A for possession has been expanded to include one- and two-bedroom student properties.
This allows landlords to regain possession of HMOs let to full-time students, in line with academic cycles. However, landlords must give written notice of their intention to use this ground before granting the tenancy.
Pet insurance requirement withdrawn
The proposal for mandatory pet insurance has been dropped.
Instead, landlords may request up to three weeks’ additional rent as a deposit to cover potential pet-related damage.
Councils gain powers to conduct surprise inspections
Councils will now be permitted to enter private rented properties without prior notice to landlords during enforcement actions. This will prevent concealment of evidence and intimidation of tenants before an inspection has occurred.
Tenants will still receive 24 hours’ notice, but landlords will be informed after entry, within a reasonable amount of time.
Assured advice for Letting Agents
The Tenant Fees Act 2019 will now be included in the Primary Authority scheme, allowing agents to receive official compliance guidance from designated local authorities.
Stay informed and read more about the Renters' Rights Bill and its progress
Coventry College is offering a 1-day Level 2 Award course in Understanding Damp and Mould in Domestic Dwellings. This course will provide knowledge to identify, remedy or treat damp and mould in domestic dwellings.
Awaab’s Law is set to take effect in October 2025, landlords and housing professionals will be legally required to address damp and mould issues promptly.
Course details:
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Date: Tuesday, 22 October 2025. A second session may be added due to high demand.
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Entry Requirements: None
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Course Fees: £250
The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government is currently consulting on a reformed Decent Homes Standard (DHS) that will apply to both social housing and the private rented sector.
The DHS sets the minimum housing conditions that landlords must meet:
- Criteria A: Homes meet the current statutory minimum standard
- Criteria B: Homes meet a reasonable state of repair
- Criteria C: Homes have reasonably modern facilities and services
- Criteria D: Homes provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort
The key changes are that the DHS previously only applied to social housing and will now extend to the private rented sector. Landlords may be required to demonstrate compliance through inspections or documentation. The addition of Criteria E: Homes should be free of damp and mould. The consultation is focused on potential amendments to Criteria B through to E.
The consultation opened on 2 July 2025 and closes on 10 September 2025 at 11:45pm.
Consultation on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for social and privately rented homes - GOV.UK
For any enquiries about the consultation please email: DecentHomesReview@communities.gov.uk
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is looking for letting agents across England to help test a new Private Rented Sector database being developed as part of the Renters’ Rights Bill.
As part of their commitment to a user-centred design, they want to work closely with the people who will actually use the service, such as letting agents like you, to make sure it is practical, efficient, and meets your needs.
They are inviting letting agents to take part in upcoming user research sessions. These sessions may involve testing early ideas or reviewing different versions of the database. Your feedback will play a key role in shaping a service that works for you.
They are especially keen to hear from letting agents with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, including those working in different parts of the country, those from small or independent agencies, and those who serve diverse communities. This will help them make sure the service is inclusive, accessible, and works well for everyone.
They plan to run focus groups with 4 to 5 participants each, aiming for a total of around 20 participants. Once they reach this number, the survey will close. Do not miss your chance to get involved and help influence the future of this service.
As the summer season brings increased property clearances and refurbishments following the end of the university year and tenancies ending. The Street Enforcement Team would like to remind landlords and agents of their responsibilities regarding waste disposal when employing a waste contractor or cleaner.
Unfortunately, the Street Enforcement Team often find that property owners or their appointed cleaners are responsible for waste incidents that are wrongly attributed to departing tenants.
If you use waste contractors or cleaners for disposal of excess waste when a tenant leaves, you must ensure that they are suitably licensed to take waste away from the property and that there is a suitable plan for waste disposal. Landlords and agents may be asked to provide evidence showing how waste was disposed of, to protect yourself please make a note of what is disposed of & keep any receipts or waste transfer notes.
This is part of your duty of care under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Read general information regarding rubbish and recycling.
A furnished bungalow, left vacant for nearly two decades, had become a concern for neighbours due to its overgrown garden and deteriorating condition. Inside, the property showed signs of neglect, including damage to the ceiling.
Last autumn, our Empty Dwellings Officer contacted the owner to highlight upcoming changes to Council Tax premiums on second homes. This opened conversations about the future of the property.
The owner explained that delays related to probate had stalled progress, but these issues had recently been resolved.
Within a few months, the garden was cleared, and the property was listed for auction. A sale was completed earlier this year, and the new owner is now undertaking renovations with plans to move in.
This case highlights how proactive engagement and Council Tax premiums can help bring neglected homes back into use, benefiting both communities and housing supply.
Before
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After
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HMO licences are not transferable, therefore if a property with an HMO licence has been sold, a licence holder has changed or if it is no longer an HMO, the licence must be revoked.
If an HMO application is still in progress but the property has been sold, then you should email hmo@coventry.gov.uk and inform us so that we can withdraw the HMO application.
When a licensed HMO has been sold, the licence holder should apply to revoke their licence. Otherwise, you will still be legally responsible for complying with the licence conditions and carrying out any works required by Improvement Notices. This could lead to confusion and possible legal action against you.
If a new licence application is not received from the new owners or landlord after the old licence has been revoked and it is still operating as an HMO then you could be at risk of serious consequences as detailed below:
- Prosecution and an unlimited fine
- Financial penalty notices of up to £30,000
- Rent repayment orders where you must repay the tenants their rent
- Interim management orders where the council takes over the HMO
- Being deemed not fit and proper and refused a licence.
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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