Coventry Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Coventry? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Coventry and how to apply for a licence.
Is manual compliance causing a headache for your agency? At Kamma, we specialise in automating licensing compliance for agents across the UK. If you need any assistance in getting your property portfolio compliant, find out how we can help letting agents here.
What are the licensing requirements for Coventry?
Mandatory licensing in Coventry
Mandatory licensing is required in Coventry if your rented property is occupied by five or more people who form more than one household, including:
- Shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals.
- Properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities.
- Properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation.
Do I need an additional property licence in Coventry?
Additional licensing is implemented at the council’s discretion. It requires that all smaller HMO’s with three or more people from more than one household must obtain a licence.
Coventry council currently operates one additional licensing scheme, covering the entire region. The scheme runs until the 3rd May 2025. Coventry council are planning to extend the scheme until 2030 but no official decision has been made. We will update this page with more information as it becomes available.
Do I need a selective licence in Coventry?
Selective licensing requires that all privately rented properties in a given area must obtain a licence, regardless of the number of occupants or households formed.
Coventry council does not currently operate any selective licensing schemes.
How do I apply for a licence?
Coventry Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Haringey. Get in touch with us here to find out more.
How much does a license cost?
Mandatory and additional licensing fee: £840 for a five-year licence
These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of August 2024.
Get instant access to compliance reports across all properties
Kamma uses data-driven technology to help landlords and lettings agents deal with complex licensing compliance effortlessly. Find out how Kamma’s software can keep you compliant across your portfolio.
- Clear actionable advice for every property in your portfolio
- Instant notification of any licensing changes affecting one of your properties
- Access property licensing experts to manage the licensing application on your behalf
What happens if I don't get a licence in Coventry?
Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Coventry Council, fines, court costs, and more. Ensure you comply with all regulations to avoid these risks. Fines for non-compliant agents can be up to £30,000 per non-compliant property, as well as rent repayment orders of up to 12 months.
If you’re concerned about unlicensed properties in your portfolio, book a free consultation today with one of our consultants to get a property licensing check here. By keeping your properties in line with your region’s licensing requirements, you can maintain peace of mind that you won’t get burnt by non-compliance.
Licensing enforcement efforts in Coventry
Coventry council have been known to be heavy handed with penalties for letting agents and landlord’s operating unlicensed properties. A recent case saw a £60,000 fine handed to a Coventry landlord for operating a property without a HMO licence, emphasising the council’s commitment to improving the sector.
If you’re unsure as to the properties you manage may need a HMO licence in Coventry, feel free to use our Coventry property licence checker to receive a free licensing report.
Frequently asked questions:
Is Coventry council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?
Coventry Council consulted on the extension of their current additional licensing scheme in January 2024, and have since signalled that they are planning to go ahead with it. An official announcement and designation have yet to be set, but we will update this page with more information as it becomes available.
Why has additional licensing in Coventry been introduced?
Coventry City Council introduced additional licensing for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to address the high number of poorly managed and non-compliant HMOs in the city, particularly those with 3 or 4 occupants, which represent a significant portion of the housing stock. The additional licensing scheme aims to improve living conditions by enforcing minimum standards, reducing issues such as overcrowding, anti-social behaviour, and safety risks. This initiative is crucial for ensuring that all HMOs, not just the larger ones covered by mandatory licensing, meet appropriate standards to protect tenants and surrounding communities.
What are the HMO standards to obtain a licence in Coventry?
In Coventry, the standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are designed to ensure that properties are safe, well-maintained, and suitable for multiple tenants. These standards cover a range of aspects, including space requirements, personal washing facilities, kitchen amenities, heating, ventilation, and fire safety. For example, each bedroom must meet specific minimum size requirements depending on whether additional communal space is available. Kitchens must be adequately equipped with cooking facilities, sinks, and food storage for the number of occupants. Additionally, all HMOs must adhere to stringent fire safety measures, including the installation of fire doors, smoke alarms, and clear escape routes. These standards aim to provide a safe and comfortable living environment for tenants while ensuring that landlords meet their legal obligations
Do I need planning permission to operate a HMO in Coventry?
On 30th September 2023, Coventry City Council implemented an Article 4 direction across specific wards, including Cheylesmore, Earlsdon, Foleshill, and others, which removed the permitted development rights for changing a property from a C3 “dwelling house” to a C4 “house in multiple occupation” (HMO). As a result, any conversion of a residential property into an HMO within these wards now requires a change of use planning application, even for HMOs with fewer than seven tenants. However, properties already lawfully used as HMOs before this date are exempt unless the use reverts back to a single household. For HMOs with seven or more occupants, planning permission has always been required under the Sui Generis classification, and this rule applies city-wide.
Kamma’s free property licence checker will also let you know if your property falls under an article 4 direction, as well as details on the licensing requirements needed.

About Coventry
Coventry, located in the West Midlands, England, is a historic city dating back to Saxon times. It became an important center for the woolen textile industry in the 15th century and later evolved into a hub for bicycle, motorcycle, and automobile manufacturing. Heavily bombed during World War II, Coventry was rebuilt with a focus on modern urban design. Today, it is known for its automotive industry, higher education institutions like the University of Warwick and Coventry University, and a blend of historic and contemporary architecture. The city covers an area of 38 square miles (99 square km) and had a population of 316,960 in 2011.