POWERS to tackle suspected housing offences have been used by Coventry City Council enforcement officers for the first time.
Following a report that a landlord had changed the locks to deny a tenant access to their home, officers from the Safer Housing and Communities service attended a home in Foleshill.
Although the council was unable to secure reoccupation for the tenant, the action helped officers to gather vital evidence to pursue enforcement action against the landlord.
The council says it will be taking steps to support the tenant in finding alternative accommodation.
The new powers provided to all councils under the Renters Rights Act 2025, which was introduced in December, gives officers powers in certain circumstances to enter residential premises without a warrant when investigating suspected housing offences, including suspected illegal eviction offences.
They also provide officers with powers to access commercial premises and obtain documents and evidence relevant to an investigation. Obstructing officers without reasonable excuse is a criminal offence.
Coventry City Council is now among the first in the country to use the new powers.
Coun Naeem Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “The Renters’ Rights Act gives councils stronger powers to gather evidence and protect tenants. We have shown we will not hesitate to use those powers to pursue justice for people facing illegal eviction.”
Coun John McNicholas, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion, added: “Illegal eviction is a serious matter and can have a devastating impact on tenants and families.
“These new powers give the Council additional tools we need to act quickly, secure evidence and hold landlords to account where the law has been broken. This action shows that Coventry will use every power available to protect tenants and tackle poor landlord behaviour.”
Anyone experiencing illegal eviction or harassment by a landlord can contact the Housing Enforcement Team and Landlord and Tenant Liaison Officers for advice by emailing [email protected]
