Coventry City Council could introduce two new schemes to charge landlords more and ensure they treat tenants fairlyLeading councillors claim new licensing would boost the standard of privately rented housing in the city.
And it would combat anti-social behaviour and address inequality in areas of high crime and deprivation, they say.
It could also raise millions of pounds for council coffers.
The council will consult the public on introducing a selective licensing scheme and additional licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) for private landlords.
A 10-week consultation is now underway to enable tenants, landlords and other stakeholders and community groups to have an input.
The council has outlined 37 areas – and almost 9,000 homes – which would benefit from a Selective Licensing scheme.
It would mean that all landlords must apply for a licence if they want to rent out a property.
The council would then assess the quality of the residence and its fitness for human habitation.
It could also use tighter controls on management, health and safety issues.
Under proposals a selective licence will cost around £380 for five years, which equates to £6 per month or £76 per year.
The 37 areas identified by the council are locations which have more than 20 per cent of houses that are privately rented – often much more.
The council also claims Additional Licensing of HMOs is required across the whole city, to boost standards in multi-occupancy properties.