Landlord licensing in Oxford City Council

South East · England · Postcode areas OX

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing
Mandatory
Additional licensing
Yes - citywide additional HMO licensing
Selective licensing
Yes - citywide selective licensing scheme
Typical fees
£1,300 for 5 years for a 5-bed HMO, with discounts available for accredited landlords. Selective licence fee is £480 for 5 years.
Towns covered
Oxford, Cowley, Headington, Jericho

What this means for you

If you let a property in Oxford City Council, check whether it falls inside a licensing designation before you advertise it. Licensable properties let without a licence can lead to a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence and a rent repayment order for up to 12 months of rent. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 prohibits advertising properties that require a licence without one already in place. Confirm the licensing status by postcode on the council website, keep gas, electrical and EPC certificates current, and store the licence with your compliance records.

Official links

Licensing designations, fees and boundaries change regularly. This page is a general summary, not legal advice — always confirm the position for the exact address with Oxford City Council before letting. Last reviewed 2 August 2026.