Landlords have accused Coventry Council of ignoring coronavirus guidelines as it pushes ahead with a new licensing scheme for private rented housing.
The council will implement the scheme on 4 May, following its approval last year.
The National Residential Landlords Association argues that the council is flouting government guidelines which advise that the introduction of new non-mandatory schemes should be paused.
It has written to the council demanding that it delay the implementation, which it said puts landlords and tenants at risk during the pandemic.
NRLA policy director Chris Norris said: “Where a licensing scheme is introduced, landlords have to go into their properties to check that they meet the licensing obligation and maybe need to carry out non-essential work.
“This exposes them and the tenants to an enhanced risk of contagion.”
Norris said many local authorities had delayed introducing new licensing schemes, pointing to Luton and Newcastle as examples.
He added: “It would be thoroughly irresponsible of the council to ignore the guidelines and go ahead with their plans.”
Coventry Council’s cabinet member for housing and communities Tariq Khan said the scheme was designed to protect tenants and landlords.
He said safeguards including extending the date for compliance by six months would prevent evictions, but landlords would still need to pay a £450 fee.
Khan said: “It is hoped that this will show landlords that enforcement action will be not pursued and that a reasonable approach should be taken in these exceptional times to help tenants stay in their homes and to stay safe.”
To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@egi.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @estatesgazette
