The council also warned those operating private rented properties without a licence are already at risk of enforcement action since the selective licensing scheme started in September 2022.

They point out that the maximum fine the council can impose for being an unlicensed landlord or managing agent is £30,000 and can be an unlimited amount where the fine is imposed by a court.

The lower £480 fee level during the first year of the city wide selective licensing scheme was set following consultation with landlords and agents who "told the council that responsible landlords and agents making an early application should not have to bear the costs of enforcement against those who applied late or did not apply at all."

The increase in selective licence fees to £1,100 will apply from 1st September 2023 unless a home is newly rented within 12 weeks of a landlord's licence application date. The council adds that it has received over 10,500 applications and has "issued 986 licences and around 2000 draft licences" thus far.

Given that the size of the private rented sector in Oxford (49% of households) is well above the national average (19%) with one ward in the city - St Mary's - reaching 79.6% it appears that there are still thousands of licence applications that are yet to be made by landlords.

Cllr. Linda Smith, Cabinet member for Housing, says "If you're a landlord or agent who hasn't applied yet then you need to get a move on .... you're already at risk of enforcement action if your properties are unlicensed."

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