Renting in West Oxfordshire: check-in and getting your deposit back

Homes to rent in West Oxfordshire

West Oxfordshire is a largely rural district on the edge of the Cotswolds, with Witney, Carterton and Chipping Norton the main towns. Many older homes are built of Cotswold stone, often listed or in conservation areas, while Witney and Carterton have large modern estates. Carterton has many homes linked to RAF Brize Norton. Prices are high because of the Cotswolds and closeness to Oxford, and private renting is a little below the national level.

Average rent: £1,284 a month (ONS, June 2026), about the same as a year earlier. Source

On moving-in day

1. Before unpacking, photograph every room: a wide shot, then each item, with the date and time on every photo.
2. Photograph the meters (gas, electricity, water) and write down the readings.
3. Count the keys and fobs, and test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
4. Note anything worn, marked or not working, and send it to the landlord or agent within a few days.

Things to look at in West Oxfordshire homes

• Cotswold stone cottages: photograph damp at the base of walls, lime plaster, timber windows and any stone roof slates.
• Listed homes in Burford, Woodstock and Chipping Norton: record original features, fireplaces and fixtures carefully, as repairs need consent.
• Rural homes off the gas network: note the oil tank level, wood burner condition and any septic tank or private drainage.
• Riverside homes in the Windrush and Evenlode valleys: check for flood damage, airbricks and watermarks.
• Modern estates in Witney and Carterton: check sealant, flooring and snagging marks, and who maintains shared green space.
• Gardens with dry stone walls: photograph walls, hedges and gates, as they are costly to repair.

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

West Oxfordshire District Council's Private Sector Housing team advises private tenants and deals with disrepair and unsafe conditions in rented homes. West Oxfordshire District Council: private renting.

Do your check-in free Moving-in checklist