A Landlord’s Guide to HMO Compliance in Oxford

Running an HMO in Oxford? Here’s what you need to get right to stay compliant and avoid fines.

1. HMO Licensing

If your property is rented to 3 or more unrelated tenants, you’ll need an HMO license from Oxford City Council.

2. Fire Safety & Compliance

Landlords must install:

• Smoke alarms in communal areas & bedrooms

• Fire doors with self-closers

• Emergency lighting (in some cases)

3. Minimum Room Sizes

• Single occupancy: 6.51m²

• Double occupancy: 10.22m²

4. Utility Bills & Running Costs

Most HMO landlords include bills, but with rising energy prices, setting fair usage limits can help manage costs.

🔗 Read the full HMO compliance guide here: Amenities and Facilities Guide Oxford City Council