Oxford City Council is urging private tenants to check if their landlord has a valid license, as part of its citywide selective licensing scheme. This initiative, now in its third year, requires all private rented homes in Oxford to be licensed. While over 9,500 properties have been licensed, there are still homes that remain unlicensed.

Tenants in unlicensed properties may be eligible for Rent Repayment Orders (RROs), which allow them to claim up to a year’s worth of rent back from landlords who haven’t obtained the required license. The council encourages tenants to check the status of their home using the selective licence register. If a property is found to be unlicensed, tenants can seek advice on what actions to take next.

The council’s selective licensing scheme is designed to ensure that private rented homes are safe, properly maintained, and well managed. Landlords found without a license face hefty financial penalties, including fines of up to £30,000 and possible repayment of any housing benefit received. In 2022, the council helped 44 tenants recover nearly £85,000 from unlicensed student accommodation.

Councillor Linda Smith, the council’s cabinet member for housing and communities, emphasizes that most landlords act responsibly, but tenants should still verify that their home meets the necessary licensing requirements.