Guidance for private landlords and agents

Our quick reference guide to for landlords and agents with links to resources.

Checklist for landlords

We have created a checklist for landlords to use before starting tenancies.

All items on the list are good practice, items in red are legal requirements in all rented properties, and the items in blue are requirements in licensed HMOs.

• Download the Landlords' checklist for starting new tenancies

Right to Rent

From 1 February 2016, anyone who rents out private property in England, including those subletting or taking in lodgers, needs to make Right to Rent checks to make sure that their tenants/lodgers can legally rent residential property here.

The Home Office have now released a new guide to right to rent checks for landlords and renters to reflect the changes in immigration status for EEA citizens as a result of Brexit. The guide is effective from 1 July 2021.

• Check your tenant's right to rent

How to evict your tenants

If you need your property back you must follow the proper legal process. Failure to do so could be a criminal offence.

• Understanding the possession action process: A guide for private landlords in England at GOV.UK

Accreditation

We offer the opportunity to apply for accreditation is open to all Oxford landlords.

• Landlord Accreditation Scheme

Houses in Multiple Occupation

All HMOs must have planning permission and a HMO Licence in Oxford.

For information about HMO licensing and requirements for HMO's in Oxord see:

• Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)
• Download the Guide to amenities and facilities for HMO landlords

Renting and Universal Credit

• Universal Credit and landlords at Understanding Universal Credit website