Housing in Oldham
First Choice Homes Oldham
Oldham Council owns 15,700 homes across the borough. Since April 2002, these properties have been managed by an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) called First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO).
Please click here to visit the First Choice Homes Oldham websiteRenting a council home
If you would like to apply for a council home in Oldham contact your local housing office or download an application form.
If you are homeless or at threat of homelessness contact the Housing Options Centre
Private Housing
Issues in relation to private housing are divided between two parts of the Council into 'people based' matters and 'property based' matters.
The Private Sector Housing division is the 'people based' section. Their aim is to improve privately rented properties to make sure they are healthy and safe places to live. They also carry out immigration inspections, issue Houses in Mulitiple Occupation (HMO) Licences and offer an accreditation scheme to landlords.
The Housing Implementation division is the 'property based' section. Their aim is to improve private housing within Oldham by offering financial assistance with home improvements, bringing empty homes back into use, and offering advice in relation to affordable housing. The team also deliver the Housing Market Renewal (HMR) initiative, and staff provide support and assistance to people who are affected by these proposals.
For more information please click here.
Housing Market Renewal Initiative
The Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder has been awarded £67.5 million for the current two years (2006-08) of a 15-year project. The Housing Market Renewal project aims to tackle some of the deep-rooted problems that face communities in Oldham and Rochdale. Its purpose is to bring about lasting change in order to improve people’s quality of life, and to drive up the prosperity of the area.
The project has already begun building new homes in Derker and Werneth/Freehold, and consultation is proceeding in other neighbourhoods.
Housing Strategy
All strategic responsibilities for housing in Oldham have stayed with the council within the Adult and Community Services Directorate. This includes homelessness, housing support, strategy development and performance monitoring. The Housing Strategy team can be contacted on housingstrategy@oldham.gov.uk
Housing Development and Planning
For housing development and planning information see Planning and Building control
Other Social Landlords
There are other organisations, called Housing Associations or Registered Social Landlords that provide social rented properties in the borough. Some of these are members of an organisation called the Oldham Housing Investment Partnership. Details of how to contact these organisations will be added in the near future.