Landlord licensing in Oxford City Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties occupied by five or more people forming two or more separate households.

Additional licensing

Yes, additional HMO licensing applies citywide to all Houses in Multiple Occupation occupied by three or more people forming two or more separate households.

Selective licensing

Yes, selective licensing applies citywide to all privately rented properties that are not HMOs, including those occupied by single households or two people.

Typical fees

Mandatory and Additional HMO licence fees are £1,300 for five years for a five-bedroom HMO, with a £100 discount for accredited landlords. Selective licence fees are £480 for five years, with a £60 discount for accredited landlords. (Note: Fees are subject to review and may change).

Towns covered

Oxford, Cowley, Headington, Jericho

What this means for you

If you let a property in Oxford, 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. Landlords must ensure properties have a valid licence to comply with their legal obligations. 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 pages
• Council website