OFFICERS at Coventry City Council now have new powers to crack down on landlords who do not comply with new laws.
Major reforms under the Renters’ Rights Act, which came into force on Friday May 1, will affect around 35,000 households in the private rented sector in Coventry.
The council’s Head of Housing Jim Crawshaw said: “In Coventry we will be ensuring that local people know about their rights and will be monitoring how landlords respond to the new legislation.
“The new reforms will mean that landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a valid reason.
“This will mean greater security for renters and will reduce the risk and impact of homelessness.”
Other key measures include fixed-term contracts being replaced with rolling tenancies, allowing tenants to give two months’ notice at any time.
There are new limits on rent increases, a ban on rental bidding wars, and a new right to request pets.
Enforcement powers have been strengthened, allowing councils to reclaim rent from landlords who breach legal obligations.
Landlords are also now obliged to address serious hazards like damp and mould within set timeframes, and a national database and redress scheme will improve transparency and accountability.
Adrian Chowns, the council’s Head of Safer Housing and Communities, added: “The act introduces new rules, to stop discrimination against people on benefits, banning upfront rent payments, granting rights for tenants with pets and making rental bidding illegal.
“We’ll have enhanced powers to deal with these new breaches, allowing officers to demand information, enter premises and gather evidence for investigations.
“Our housing teams want to ensure both tenants and landlords are well supported, protected and ready for a fairer private rented sector.”
Increased fines against landlords can be up to £7,000 for minor breaches or initial non-compliance, and up to £40,000 for more serious offences.
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