Midlands council carries out citywide HMO raids
Council officers, police and immigration officials are all working together to locate Coventry’s unlicensed HMOs.
Coventry City Council has carried out a series of HMO enforcement raids across the city, uncovering suspected unlicensed housing and gathering evidence for potential action against rogue landlords.
The council’s Safer Housing and Communities team joined police and immigration officers for a week of targeted inspections aimed at tackling unsafe and potentially exploitative accommodation.
Among the properties targeted was a house on Uxbridge Road, where officers executed a warrant and gathered evidence that suggested it was operating as an unlicensed HMO.
Multiple unlicensed HMOs
Inspectors also uncovered multiple suspected unlicensed HMOs above commercial premises on Foleshill Road, with between four and six occupants in several households found living in the accommodation.
Witness statements were obtained in several cases and enforcement action is now progressing.
The council says further properties were identified during the operation that were suspected of operating as unlicensed HMOs, with evidence secured and investigations ongoing.
The raids are part of the council’s efforts to tackle rogue landlords, improve housing standards and ensure residents are living in safe and legally compliant accommodation.
This proactive enforcement work demonstrates our commitment to protecting tenants and holding landlords to account.”
Councillor John McNicholas, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion, said: “This proactive enforcement work demonstrates our commitment to protecting tenants and holding landlords to account.
“We will continue to take firm action where properties are found to be operating illegally or where conditions put residents at risk. Working with our partners allows us to identify issues early and respond effectively.”
Councillor Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “Landlords are reminded of their legal responsibilities, including the requirement to licence HMOs where applicable and comply with all relevant safety standards. Failure to do so may result in significant penalties”.
