Oxford Council has inspected more than 1,000 rental properties under its city-wide selective licensing scheme, finding that almost one in three had serious safety hazards.
Since the scheme launched three years ago, over 14,500 properties have been brought under licence – making Oxford one of the only councils in the country requiring a licence for all private rented homes.
Safety hazards found in 31 percent of inspections
Council data shows that 31 percent of inspected properties had Category 1 hazards – the most serious risks to health and safety under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. The number of enforcement notices issued has grown by 35 percent compared to the first year of the scheme.
Four financial penalties for failing to licence were issued in the past year, and the council says it has stepped up investigations into unlicensed properties.
This follows Landlord Knowledge’s reporting on council enforcement preparations, which found that many local authorities are still finalising their plans for Renters Rights Act enforcement.
Oxford selected to pilot landlord database
The council has also been selected by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to help trial the new landlord database under the Renters Rights Act.
In the past year, over 96 percent of licence applications were processed within 12 weeks, with an average turnaround time of just over six weeks.
The council said in a statement: “The scheme is continuing to drive up standards in the private rented sector.”
For landlords operating in Oxford or considering the area, the data highlights the importance of ensuring properties meet safety standards before inspections. The council’s proactive approach – combined with its role in piloting the national database – suggests enforcement activity will continue to intensify as the RRA takes effect.
What this means for landlords
- If you own property in Oxford: Ensure your property is licensed and meets HHSRS standards – the 31 percent failure rate suggests inspectors are checking thoroughly.
- Watch for: The landlord database pilot results, which will shape how the national system works from autumn 2026.
- Bottom line: Councils with city-wide licensing are finding significant non-compliance, and the enforcement data will inform how other areas approach the RRA.
Editor’s view
The Oxford figures tell two stories. For compliant landlords, a well-run licensing scheme means fair competition and fewer rogue operators undercutting them. For those cutting corners, the 31 percent hazard rate shows that selective licensing is not just paperwork – it has teeth.
Author: Editorial Team – UK landlord & buy-to-let news, policy, and finance
Published: 1 April 2026
Sources: Oxford City Council
Related reading: Croydon launches dual licensing schemes covering 73% of rental stock
📘 Renters’ Rights Act: Complete Landlord Guide
Everything you need to know about the new rules – 1 May 2026
