DIY InventoryRenting in Oxford: check-in and getting your deposit back
What to check when you move in, how to protect your deposit, and where renters in Oxford can get help.
Homes to rent in Oxford
Oxford has one of the highest private renting shares in England outside London, and among the highest rents. Two universities, the hospitals and research employers create strong demand for shared houses, especially in the Victorian terraces of East Oxford, Cowley Road and Headington. North Oxford's large Victorian villas are often split into flats, while Cowley, Blackbird Leys and Barton have inter-war and post-war estates. Every privately rented home in the city needs either a selective or an HMO licence.
Average rent: £1,957 a month (ONS, September 2026), up 2.4% on a year earlier, the highest outside London. Source
On moving-in day
- Before unpacking, photograph every room: a wide shot, then each item, with the date and time on every photo.
- Photograph the meters (gas, electricity, water) and write down the readings.
- Count the keys and fobs, and test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Note anything worn, marked or not working, and send it to the landlord or agent within a few days.
Things to look at in Oxford homes
- Licensing: every rented home in Oxford needs a selective or HMO licence, so note the licence number and photograph the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Shared houses in East Oxford and Headington: photograph each bedroom lock, fire doors and closers, alarms and the shared kitchen and bathroom separately.
- Victorian villas split into flats in North Oxford: record communal hallways, meter cupboards, bike stores and the key count for each door.
- Homes near the rivers in Osney, Botley Road and Grandpont: photograph any tide marks, damp low on walls and air bricks, as these areas can flood.
- Small Jericho and East Oxford terraces: record sash windows, damp in rear extensions and the state of tiny back yards and bins.
- Blocks in Blackbird Leys: note fob and key counts, the lift, bin stores and any balcony.
Your deposit
Your landlord must protect your deposit in the DPS, TDS or mydeposits within 30 days and tell you which. At the end, deductions can only be for damage beyond fair wear and tear, cleaning back to the check-in standard, or rent owed. A dated check-in record is your best protection.
Help from the council
Tenants can report disrepair, damp or unsafe conditions in privately rented homes, or an unlicensed home, to Oxford City Council's private sector housing team. Oxford City Council: private renting.
Renting in Oxford: questions
What should I check when I move into a rented home in Oxford?
Photograph every room and item before you unpack, with the date on each photo: walls, floors, windows, appliances, meters and keys. Note anything worn or damaged and get the landlord or agent to agree it in writing.
How do I get my deposit back?
Leave the home as you found it, allowing for fair wear and tear, and compare it with the check-in record. If you disagree with deductions, the deposit scheme’s free dispute service decides on the evidence.
Where can renters in Oxford get help?
Tenants can report disrepair, damp or unsafe conditions in privately rented homes, or an unlicensed home, to Oxford City Council's private sector housing team.
Can a tenant do the check-in inventory?
Yes. With DIY Inventory a tenant can do it on their phone and send the landlord a link to check and sign it, so both sides have the same dated record.