Oxford City Council offers a Rent Guarantee Scheme, providing guaranteed rent and additional benefits to landlords who rent their properties to tenants receiving Universal Credit.
Under the scheme, we will ensure that rent is paid for the term of the Guaranteed Rent Management Contract with Oxford City Council, whether or not we have received the rent from the tenant. Rent will also continue to be paid even during times when the property is empty (for a limited period).
Currently, over 400 landlords benefit from our specialised Private Rented Sector services, assisting local families in need of housing.
Advantages of the Oxford Rent Guarantee Scheme:
- the Oxford Rent Guarantee Scheme is available to properties in the Oxford Broad Rental Market Area (BRMA) - download the Oxford Broad Rental Market Area map
- guaranteed rent for the term of the rent management contract with Oxford City Council (at least one year with an option to renew further)
- rent paid to the landlord, whether the tenant pays or not, up to three months in advance
- rent covered during the void period in-between tenancies (up to a maximum of 3 weeks rent) if the property will be re-let again through the Oxford Rent Guarantee Scheme
- monthly rent up to:
- £650 for a room in a shared house
- £900 for a 1-bed
- £1125 for a 2-bed
- £1325 for a 3-bed
- £1750 for a 4-bed or larger house
- damage bond of up to five weeks' rent
- no fees or administration charges
- fully vetted prospective tenants, including immigration status, housing and credit history
- experienced account managers offering legal and Council service advice
- direct contact with the team via online forms and a dedicated telephone number
- free model tenancy and management agreements
More Information
Landlords' experiences with our service
“Don’t immediately discount the Local Housing Allowance market. Tenants in receipt of benefits tend to stay longer; there isn’t the same churn, which in turn saves on lost rent and re-advertising your property. Tenants on Housing Benefit make the place their home rather than just seeing it as one step on the road to buying their own place."
Emma McCleod, Landlady
"The Home Choice team have been very professional in minimising the perceived higher operational and financial risks by letting to local people in housing need and low income. Giving a family less fortunate than ourselves a hand to improve their wellbeing is very rewarding financially and socially. I recommend that landlords seriously consider using the Home Choice team at Oxford City Council who can also add value with helping you with other Council services."
Chris Bright, Landlord
"I have been a landlord with Home Choice for many years and have worked closely with the team at Oxford City Council. I am delighted and whole heartedly support the new initiative for the Oxford Assured Lettings service. The problems most commonly experienced in the past have now been addressed namely rent guarantee for my property, three months rent in advance, two months bond deposit, three monthly property checks and a free gas check for the first year. I look forward to being part of getting this scheme established and feel very confident working with the team."
Finbarr Calnan, Landlord
Contact Private Rented Sector Procurement Team
Service available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
