Private landlords applied for licences covering more than 12,000 homes during the first year of a controversial council’s selective licensing scheme.

The Oxford city-wide scheme came into force in September 2022 and means all private rented homes in Oxford now need a licence. Oxford is the only council in the country requiring a licence for all private rented homes. 

The number of applications during the first year of the scheme exceeded expectations according to a council statement. Private landlords and agents made 10,896 applications covering over 12,300 homes – more than a third higher than expected.

This included 9,057 applications during an initial ‘early bird’ period where lower licence fees were offered as an incentive. 

The council issued 2,138 final licences during the first year of selective licensing. It expects to issue licences for the remaining ‘early bird’ applications in the next six months – to date, 5,925 licences have been issued. 

The council claims to have investigated 83 cases, with 49 licence applications made and 16 exempt. The remaining cases are still under investigation. 

During the first year, property inspections were carried out in response to complaints, with 36 of 61 properties (59%) found to have a serious housing hazard. The council says it is now ramping up this work and aims to inspect 60% of licensed homes over the five years of the selective licensing scheme.  

Before September 2022 only HMOs needed a licence, though these make up less than 15% of private rented homes in Oxford. 

A statement from the Labour-run authority says unlicensed landlords and agents are now at risk of proactive enforcement action. 

The council can issue financial penalties of up to £30,000 and the courts have the power to impose unlimited fines for unlicensed homes. 

“Our selective licensing scheme is a crucial step in raising the bar for quality standards in private rented homes. We are committed to ensuring safe, decent homes for private tenants. The majority of landlords and agents do a good job and have nothing to fear from selective licensing. I’m encouraged that so many made licence applications during the first year of the scheme and I’d like to thank them all” says Linda Smith, responsible for housing on the council.

“If you’re a landlord or agent who hasn’t applied yet, what are you waiting for? We’re now taking enforcement action and you’re running the risk of an unlimited fine if your properties aren’t licensed.”