Private landlords applied for licences covering more than 12,000 homes during the first year of Oxford City Council’s ‘selective licensing’ scheme.
The citywide scheme came into force in September 2022 and means all private rented homes in Oxford now need a licence.
The number of applications during the first year of the scheme exceeded the Council’s expectations. Private landlords and agents made 10,896 applications covering over 12,300 homes – more than a third (34%) higher than expected.
This included 9,057 applications during an initial ‘early bird’ period where lower licence fees were offered as an incentive.
The Council issued 2,138 final licences during the first year of selective licensing. It expects to issue licences for the remaining ‘early bird’ applications in the next six months and is making good progress - to date, 5,925 licences have been issued.
Work to find unlicensed properties began in March 2023 – giving landlords time to apply and new staff and systems to bed in. The Council has now investigated 83 cases, with 49 licence applications made and 16 exempt. The remaining cases are still under investigation.
During the first year, property inspections were carried out in response to complaints, with 36 of 61 properties (59%) found to have a serious housing hazard. The Council is now ramping up this work and aims to inspect 60% of licensed homes over the five years of the selective licensing scheme.
About selective licensing
Before September 2022 only houses in multiple occupation – shared houses – needed a licence, though these make up less than 15% of private rented homes in Oxford. Selective licensing means all private rented homes need a licence to help ensure they are safe, well maintained and responsibly managed.
Licensing requires private landlords to show they comply with the law by meeting safety and management standards, being a ‘fit and proper person’ and meeting council waste storage and disposal requirements.
Oxford is the only council in the country requiring a licence for all private rented homes.
Enforcement
Unlicensed landlords and agents are now at risk of proactive enforcement action.
The Council can issue financial penalties of up to £30,000 and the courts have the power to impose unlimited fines for unlicensed homes.
Tenants living in an unlicensed home can apply to a First Tier Tribunal for a rent repayment order (RRO). This allows them to claim back up to a year’s rent for any period the home they live in is unlicensed.
Tenants can find out whether their home is licensed on the register of selective licences. There is a separate register for shared housing.
Licences are not published on the register until they are issued and it does not include pending applications. Any tenant living in a home not on either register should email propertylicensing@oxford.gov.uk for further information and advice.
As well as RROs, landlords and agents of unlicensed properties may have to repay any housing benefit paid to them by the Council.
Landlords running an unlicensed property cannot serve a section 21 ‘(no fault’) eviction notice. This means they cannot evade licensing rules by evicting their tenants. Any tenant concerned about illegal eviction and harassment should email T6@oxford.gov.uk
Landlords and agents who have not applied for a licence can do so on the Council’s selective licensing page.
Comment
“Our selective licensing scheme is a crucial step in raising the bar for quality standards in private rented homes. We are committed to ensuring safe, decent homes for private tenants.
“The majority of landlords and agents do a good job and have nothing to fear from selective licensing. I’m encouraged that so many made licence applications during the first year of the scheme and I’d like to thank them all.
“If you’re a landlord or agent who hasn’t applied yet, what are you waiting for? We’re now taking enforcement action and you’re running the risk of an unlimited fine if your properties aren’t licensed.”
Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing
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