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In this issue:
The Renters’ Rights Act is now law and applies across England.
What the Renters’ Rights Act means now it is law
The Renters’ Rights Act strengthens protections for people renting in the private sector and creates a clearer, fairer framework for everyone involved. It focuses on improving housing standards, security and transparency, while supporting responsible landlords and agents.
As the law is now in force, the new rules apply to relevant private rented properties and tenancies. Everyone involved in renting should ensure they understand how the changes affect them in practice.
Abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions
Landlords must provide a valid ground for possession. Section 21 Notices are illegal and using this notice could result in a fine of up to £35,000.
Move to periodic tenancies
Fixed-term contracts have been replaced with rolling periodic tenancies, with tenants able to give 2 months’ notice at any time.
Stronger renter protections
Rent increases are now limited to once per year, with 2 months’ notice. Bidding wars are banned, Discrimination against tenants based on having children or receiving benefits is prohibited and there is a new right for tenants to request a pet.
Further changes will be implemented by the government in the next phase (late 2026). Stay informed about these changes on the government’s webpage.
What the council is doing
- we have updated our Private Rented Sector Housing Enforcement policy. This policy outlines how we will enforce the changes reflected by the Renters Rights Act
- we have trained all of our staff in the Renters’ Rights Act and changes to our policies
- we have published articles aiming to educate landlords/agents on the changes and their responsibilities. These articles will continue
- we are using our new enforcement powers where necessary, proportionately and fairly to enforce housing standards in Coventry
What you should do now
Review tenancies and management practise to ensure compliance with the new legal requirements.
Landlords or Letting agents must give the Renters’ Rights Information Sheet to their tenants before 31 May 2026 if the tenancy:
- is an assured or assured shorthold tenancy
- was created before 1 May 2026
- has a wholly or partly written record of terms (including a written tenancy agreement)
The Act is the most significant reform to the private rented sector in over 30 years. Law from 1 May 2026, it will transform renting in the city.
We have arranged an informal evening to support the launch of The Renters' Rights Act 2025. Coventry landlords have been invited to attend the event on Thursday 21 May 2026, 6:15pm to 8pm. The event will take place at Council House, Diamond Rooms, Earl St, Coventry, CV1 5RT.
Drop in today to find out more, no need to book
This is a drop in event with the option to listen to a 15 minute overview of the legislation (6.30pm, repeated at 7pm) and ask the officers on hand any questions you may have on what the changes mean for you and your tenants.
Listen to one of the 15-minute overview presentations:
- 6:30pm to 6:45pm in DR1 and DR2, or
- 7pm to 7:15pm in DR1 and DR2
Plus, visit the specialist stalls in the surrounding rooms to ask questions about what this means for you and your tenants.
For further information on the Act, visit Guide to the Renters’ Rights Act - GOV.UK.
 Street sign with the message of 'Resident permit holders only'.
The Council's policy for issuing parking permits within residential parking schemes to high-density properties, including HMOs means that residents living in HMOs are unlikely to be eligible for a parking permit.
Residential parking schemes are designed and introduced to provide the best possible opportunity for permanent residents living on streets where parking demand exceeds available on-street capacity to find a parking space. They play an important role in managing demand, supporting the management of traffic on constrained streets and are largely well liked by residents living within zones.
The Council therefore reserves the right not to issue permits to some buildings of high-level multi-occupancy - further details can be found on our webpage.
A terraced property had been unoccupied for nearly 20 years and was subject to a 300% Council Tax empty homes premium. The property remained empty due to an incomplete renovation project, which had stalled several times.
The Council:
- applied the long-term empty homes Council Tax premium (300%)
- progressed recovery and enforcement action
- made direct contact with the owner and persistently encouraged a voluntary sale
The owner eventually agreed to sell the property, and it was placed on the market in Winter 2023. The property was subsequently purchased, refurbished, and occupied in 2025. This has improved the appearance of the area and returned a long-term empty home back into use.
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 Let's Rent+ rent guarantee scheme. New offer for landlords: 5 weeks deposit, tenant vetting joining bouns and rent top-up.
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.
Coventry has the third highest rate of Domestic abuse in the West Midlands. To this end many agencies work across the city to ensure this issue is tackled and offer support for those affected by it. One of the ways in which victims can be supported is through the Sanctuary Scheme.
This scheme allows victims to remain safely in their home with enhanced security measures. Support is also offered alongside this to the victim.
Sanctuary measures might include: reinforced exterior doors, extra door and window locks and alarms, fire retardant letter boxes ,intercom systems or video entry systems.
It is not suitable if the perpetrator’s friends or relatives are living in the property or where it is too dangerous for the household to remain in the area because the perpetrator or the perpetrator’s family and friends pose a threat. The suitability of Sanctuary depends on a full risk assessment of the case and the property.
The Sanctuary scheme is offered by Coventry Haven Women’s Aid and national charity Safe Partnership. The scheme is free to the victim but this needs to be alongside landlord permission for those in private rented accommodation.
It is open to owner-occupiers, private tenants and Housing Association tenants. Applications can also be considered if a victim permanently lives with family.
If you have any queries or concerns about the scheme please call: 024 76 444 077.
If you need advice or support go to Safe to Talk, Coventry City Council’s Domestic Abuse website. Here you will find information on services for survivors, children/young people and perpetrators. There is support around honour-based abuse, forced marriage and FGM. Call 0800 111 4998 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, or 10am to 1pm on Saturday and Sunday.
For male victims of domestic abuse, visit AnchorPoint – Free support for men experiencing domestic abuse.
The Pest Control Team are promoting a self-treatment option for rat infestations, offering a quicker alternative to standard pest control appointments.
The scheme enables residents or landlords to manage infestations directly, with a “Self-Treatment Pack” delivered within 2 to 3 working days. Packs include traps and guidance, but users must supply bait (such as peanut butter) and be prepared to safely remove and dispose of any rats caught.
Costs are fixed at £20 for a 2-trap pack or £32.75 for a 4-trap pack, with no concessionary rates available. Payment is taken over the telephone following an email request, and refunds are not available once delivery is arranged.
This option may be particularly useful for landlords seeking a fast, low-cost response between tenancies or where immediate intervention is needed. However, it is only suitable for those confident in carrying out treatment themselves, and professional pest control services remain available for more complex cases.
More information can be found at their webpage.
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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