Oxford · 2026 fees
Landlord licence fees Oxford 2026
Oxford runs one of the strictest regimes in England: since 10 June 2021 EVERY HMO in the city — whatever its size — must be licensed, combining mandatory large-HMO licensing with a citywide additional scheme. The licence fee is banded by the number of habitable rooms rather than a single flat amount, so there is no one headline figure. Use the council link below to find the fee for your property’s size.
| Scheme | Council | Fee | Term | Notes / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO | Oxford City Council | Varies by size | 5 yrs | Oxford requires EVERY HMO (any size, since 10 June 2021) to be licensed; the fee is banded by the number of habitable rooms, so check the council page for your property. Council page |
| Additional HMO | Oxford City Council | Varies by size | 5 yrs | Citywide additional licensing — all small HMOs need a licence too. Council page |
FAQs: landlord licence fees in Oxford
How much does a landlord licence cost in Oxford in 2026?
Where the council runs a selective scheme, fees in Oxford are typically £650 to £1,000 for a 5-year term; additional and mandatory HMO licences usually fall between £900 and £1,400. Exact fees depend on the council, the scheme and whether you qualify for an accreditation discount. Always confirm current amounts on the council's licensing page before applying.
Are licence fees per property or per landlord?
Per property. If you own multiple let properties in designated areas, each one typically needs its own licence and fee. Some councils run portfolio discounts for accredited landlords.
What happens if I let without a licence?
Letting a property that requires a selective or HMO licence without one is a civil penalty offence. Fines reach £30,000 per property and tenants can apply for a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' rent. Ignorance of the scheme is not a defence.
Do licence fees change year to year?
Yes. Councils review fees every scheme renewal cycle (typically 5 years) and some adjust between cycles. The ranges on this page are indicative editorial estimates; click through to the council page for a live fee.
Can I claim licence fees as a rental expense?
HMRC generally treats landlord licence fees as a deductible rental business expense for income tax where the licence is required to let the property. If the fee covers more than one tax year you may need to apportion it. Check with your accountant for your circumstances.
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