A Labour council says local landlords have only a week to apply for a licence before a big rise in the application fee.
Oxford’s selective licensing regime came into force in September 2022 and means all private rented homes in Oxford need a licence.
The council says it’s received nearly 10,500 licence applications and threatens that landlords and agents face a substantial increase in the application fee if they don’t apply by September 1.
A standard fee of £480 for a five-year licence applies during the first year of the scheme.
A higher rate of £1,100 will apply from September 1 unless a home is newly rented within 12 weeks of the date of application, in which case the fee will be £530.
So far, the council has issued 1,466 licences and 2,661 draft licences.
Unlicensed landlords and agents are now at risk of enforcement action and the council can issue financial penalties of up to £30,000 while the courts have the power to impose unlimited fines for unlicensed homes.
Tenants living in an unlicensed home can apply to a First Tier Tribunal for a Rent Repayment Order; as well as RROs, unlicensed landlords and agents may have to repay any housing benefit paid to them by the council; and they cannot serve a section 21 eviction notice.
A council spokeswoman says: “If you’re a private landlord or agent who hasn’t applied for a licence yet then you need to get a move on.
“Application fees increase from £480 to £1,100 on September 1 and you’re already at risk of enforcement action if your properties are unlicensed.
“We’ve already had nearly 10,500 licence applications and that’s great news for tenants and the majority of responsible landlords and agents. Everyone should have a decent home and tenants deserve the confidence of knowing that theirs is safe, in good condition and well managed.”
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