We are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to safe, secure, affordable and high-quality housing.
Our Council housing strategies and policies page provides residents with clear information about how we plan and manage Oxford City Council housing across the city.
You can find our strategic vision for housing delivery, policies for allocating homes and other landlord related functions, criteria for housing support, standards for property maintenance, and information on the services we offer.
Residents play a central role in shaping our housing strategies and priorities. As experts in their own communities, their feedback helps us design and improve services through consultations, engagement panels, surveys, and ongoing dialogue.
Through our Policy Review Group, residents work with us to recommend changes to key Property Services policies so they better reflect their needs. Their insight guides policy, informs investment decisions, and strengthens accountability, ensuring our services are fair, responsive, and truly community-led.
Strategies
Housing and Homelessness Strategy
The Housing and Homelessness Strategy sets out Oxford City Council’s vision for providing safe, secure, affordable, and high-quality homes. It guides how housing is allocated, who receives support, and the standards properties must meet. Shaped by resident involvement, it ensures tenants and communities influence priorities and service design. Through ongoing consultation, the council works to address homelessness, affordability, and housing quality, making services fair, responsive, and community-led.
- See our Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023 to 2028
- See our Homelessness pages for more information
Tenancy Strategy
Our Tenancy Strategy is a high-level document that guides how Oxford City Council plans to use and manage its homes over the long term. It sets the overall approach to the types of tenancies offered, how these support wider goals such as meeting housing need, promoting sustainability, and creating stable communities, and how providers should respond to local demand.
Policies
Tenancy Policy
A tenancy policy sets out how a housing provider manages tenancies fairly and consistently. It explains the types of tenancies offered, how they are allocated, the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords, and rules for issues like repairs, rent, and ending a tenancy. Its purpose is to ensure transparency, protect both parties, and provide a clear framework for sustaining successful tenancies.
Fire Safety Policy
Our Fire Safety Policy explains how we protect residents, visitors, staff, and contractors by identifying and reducing fire risks. It sets out our legal duties, commitment to regular fire risk assessments, and close work with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. The policy outlines key responsibilities, supports vulnerable residents, and encourages engagement to help everyone stay safe in their homes and communities.
- See our Fire Safety Policy
- See our Fire safety for council housing tenants page for more information
Damp and Mould Policy
Our Damp and Mould Policy sets out how we protect residents by ensuring homes are dry, healthy, and safe. We tackle the causes of damp and mould, provide practical advice and support, and ensure staff can identify and resolve issues quickly. Working with residents and partner agencies, we aim to improve living conditions and meet all legal standards for safe housing.
Disrepair Policy
Our Disrepair Policy sets out how we keep homes safe, healthy, and well maintained. It explains our legal repair duties, tenants’ responsibilities, and how we prevent issues like damp, mould, and structural faults. It also outlines how we handle disrepair reports and claims, ensuring clear processes, timely action, and fair treatment for all residents.
Asbestos Policy
Oxford City Council is committed to managing asbestos safely across all council properties. We follow strict regulations to identify, monitor, and control any asbestos risks, carrying out regular inspections and providing staff with specialist training. Clear procedures are in place for maintenance and emergencies, helping us protect residents, staff, and contractors and ensure our homes remain safe.
