The Housing Act 2004 allows us to require any private rented homes within a specified area to have a licence (unless it falls under mandatory or additional HMO licensing). The reason for selective licensing is to address problems like poor property conditions.
In March 2021, we approved designations for selective licensing to cover the whole city. Due to the number of properties the designation covers, this scheme was submitted to the government for confirmation before it could start.
On 21 April 2022, the government confirmed the designation of the whole city for selective licensing.
The selective licensing scheme will come into effect on 1 September 2022 and end on 31 August 2027 (midnight).
View the confirmation letter from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
View the Designation of all wards except Holywell for Selective Licensing.
View the Designation of Holywell ward for Selective Licensing.
View the Public Notice for Selective Licensing.
For more information about selective licensing, see our Quick reference guide for property licensing page.
Contact the Property Licensing Team
Address: Property Licensing TeamRegulatory Services and Community Safety
Oxford City Council
Town Hall
St Aldate's
Oxford
OX1 1BX
