RenterCheck

Renting in Oxford

Oxford City Council · South East

Local council rules, licensing schemes, and tenant resources for renters in Oxford.

Licensing Schemes

Active Schemes

Mandatory HMOAdditional HMO

HMO Licence Fee

£1,000 - £1,500

Estimated 15,000 private rented properties in the Oxford area.

HMO Rules in Oxford

Oxford operates additional HMO licensing across the entire city. The council has strict planning controls on HMOs and an Article 4 direction. University-linked demand creates intense competition for rental properties.

Check the HMO Register

View the public HMO register: Oxford City Council HMO Register

What landlords must do:

  • Obtain the correct licence for the property type
  • Meet minimum room sizes (6.51m2 for one person, 10.22m2 for two)
  • Provide adequate kitchen and bathroom facilities
  • Install and maintain fire safety equipment
  • Keep the property in good repair and free from hazards

Report a Housing Problem

If you are experiencing issues with your rented property in Oxford, contact the council's environmental health team. They can investigate complaints about damp, mould, disrepair, overcrowding, and other hazards.

Phone

01865 249811

Email

Contact via website

Council Website

www.oxford.gov.uk

Tenant Advice in Oxford

Local Advice Line

Shelter Oxford: 0344 515 1540

Free help is available from:

  • Shelter (national housing charity, free advice line: 0808 800 4444)
  • Citizens Advice (free, confidential advice on housing issues)
  • Your local council's housing advice service

Rental Market in Oxford

2-Bed Rent

£1,400

/month

Avg Yield

4.3%

Growth (YoY)

4.8%

Demand

Very High

Full Oxford rental market guide

Your Rights as a Renter

Whether you are renting in Oxfordor anywhere else in the UK, you have legal protections as a tenant. The Renters' Rights Bill strengthens these protections further.

Check a Property in Oxford

Enter any postcode to get an instant rental safety report with EPC data, crime stats, flood risk, and more.