Private landlords in Oxford have less than one month to apply for a license before Oxford City Council hikes the application fee. 

A 'selective licensing' scheme, rolled out last year, means all private rented homes in Oxford need a license.

Nearly 10,500 applications have already been received by the council which has said that, if landlords and agents don't apply by September 1, they will face a hefty fee.

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A standard fee of £480 for a five-year license applied during the first year of the scheme.

This fee will more than double to £1,100 from September 1.

Homes which are newly rented within 12 weeks of the date of application are an exception, in which case the fee will be £530.

Landlords and agents had argued that it would be unfair for responsible landlords to bear the costs of enforcement against those who applied late or not at all.

Unlicensed landlords and agents are now at risk of enforcement action. 

Councillor Linda Smith, cabinet member for housing, said: "If you're a private landlord or agent who hasn't applied for a license yet then you need to get a move on." 

The council is able to issue financial penalties of up to £30,000 and courts may impose unlimited fines. 

Oxford is the only council in the country requiring a license for all privately rented homes.