A council has issued a formal caution to a landlord for attempting to illegally evict three of his tenants.

The landlord posted letters to all three tenants in January instructing them to leave in just seven days.

They contacted Coventry council which then intervened and – it claims – prevented all three evictions.  The landlord admitted in interview that he knew the correct procedure and had not followed this

Formal Cautions may be offered to perpetrators who admit wrongdoing at an early stage and accept responsibility for their offences.  They can only be offered where there is the required amount of evidence to realistically gain a prosecution.

A statement from Coventry council says a formal caution may prevent landlords from obtaining various licenses in the city, including the ability to manage Houses in Multiple Occupation.  

The tenants also have the option of now bringing a civil action.

David Welsh, the lead councillor for Housing and Communities, says: “This sends out a clear message to landlords that Coventry council will do all it can to protect its residents from unlawful eviction and harassment.

“It reflects our commitment to ensuring homes in the private rented sector are properly managed and that tenants are afforded the security that they need during the current cost of living crisis.”