Coventry Housing Policy Changes: More Affordable Homes, New Renter Protections and Tighter HMO Rules Now in Effect

Coventry residents are now seeing the effects of several housing policy changes that have recently come into force, bringing both new affordable homes and tighter regulations for landlords. The changes include the approval of the fifth phase of the Eastern Green estate, the start of the City Centre South redevelopment, the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act 2025, and stricter planning rules for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in 11 Coventry wards.

New Homes and Affordable Housing Targets

Coventry City Council has approved the fifth phase of the Eastern Green estate, adding 344 homes to the 2,400-home project, of which 86 will be affordable units. Meanwhile, the first phase of the £450m City Centre South redevelopment received planning approval to create nearly 1,000 homes, with 200 designated as affordable housing and occupancy expected by early 2027. These projects align with the council's Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), which mandates that new residential schemes of 25 or more dwellings must provide at least 25% of units as affordable homes.

Renters' Rights Act 2025 and HMO Rules

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is now in force across England, meaning Section 21 'no-fault' evictions are abolished in Coventry and rent increases are now limited to once per year. For landlords operating HMOs, full planning permission is now required for small HMOs in 11 Coventry wards, following the removal of permitted development rights in September 2023. These measures are designed to give tenants more security and local authorities greater control over housing quality and the mix of accommodation in residential areas.

For Coventry residents, the key takeaway is a gradual increase in the supply of affordable housing combined with stronger legal protections for renters. The combination of new developments, tighter planning controls and legislative changes is expected to stabilise the rental market and provide more options for first-time buyers and low-income households. However, the full impact will only become clear as the Eastern Green and City Centre South projects move toward completion over the next few years.