Seek other accommodation
Before seeing us, we encourage you to take steps to find alternative accommodation. Our Housing Advice pages include the help available, such as:
- if you are having problems in your private rented sector tenancy or need to find new private rented accommodation
- if you have been asked to leave by friends or family
- if you are having financial difficulties
Shortage of Social Housing in Oxford
It is important to consider other options to resolve your housing issues.
Supply of council and housing association accommodation is extremely limited in Oxford which means we're often unable to secure this type of housing even for people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
- There are currently 2780 people waiting on the housing register but only 490 properties become vacant each year.
- Applicants with low need who require a one bed or a property with three or more bedrooms can expect to wait around 10-20 years.
- We follow a legal system that prioritises people by need. Even those assessed with the highest need may wait a very long time.
- We can discharge our duties to homeless applicants through suitable private rented sector offers - The Homeless Discharge into the Private Rented Sector Policy explains matters that we consider in determining the suitability of accommodation.
Cost of private renting
If you are relying on housing benefits or the housing costs element of Universal Credit to pay some or all your rent, this is unlikely to cover the cost of renting privately in Oxford - you may need to look further away from the city to find an affordable property.
For current local housing allowance rates for each area see Local Housing Allowance Rates on the DirectGov website
