Around 50% of homes in Oxford are privately rented.
Adverts are placed in the local papers and there are a number of property or lettings agents in the city.
Agents or landlords may charge a refundable holding deposit (maximum one week's rent), and you normally have to pay a refundable deposit (maximum five weeks' rent) before moving in.
Most landlords let properties for 6 or 12 months at a time.
If you are under threat of homelessness we may be able to offer assistance to help you retain your home or secure other accommodation.
It is important to seek advice and information to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Useful information is available on our Guidance for private tenants pages or Shelter's private renting pages.
You also wish to read through GOV.UK website on:
- How to rent – a guide for current and prospective tenants
- How to rent a safe home – a guide for current and prospective tenants
- How to let – a guide for current and prospective private residential landlords
- How to lease – a guide for current and prospective leaseholders
Some useful websites to help you find a home can be found below:
Accredited Landlords
View our List of accredited landlords.
Redress Scheme
It is a legal requirement for all letting agents and property managers in England to belong to 1 of 2 Government approved redress schemes.
The two schemes are:
The requirement to belong to a redress scheme will enable tenants and landlords with agents within the private rented sector, and leaseholders and freeholders dealing with property managers in the residential sector, to complain to an independent body about the service they have received.
Ultimately the requirement to belong to a redress scheme will help identify bad agents and property managers and improve standards within the private rented sector.
Failure to belong to one of the approved government schemes is an offence and we will impose a fine of up to £5,000 where an agent or property manager who should have joined a scheme has not done so.
For further information download the leaflet from the GOV.UK website.
