Landlord licensing in Exeter City Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies citywide for qualifying properties.

Additional licensing

Additional licensing currently covers smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the entire city of Exeter. This scheme requires all HMOs with three or more tenants forming two or more households to be licensed, irrespective of the number of storeys.

Selective licensing

No citywide selective licensing scheme currently in force.

Typical fees

Mandatory HMO licence fees are approximately £800-£1,000. Additional HMO licensing fees are around £750-£950. Specific fees may vary based on property size and other factors.

Towns covered

Exeter

What this means for you

Landlords in Exeter must ensure their properties meet specific housing standards and safety regulations. All privately rented properties are expected to be maintained to a good standard, free from serious hazards, and have appropriate safety certificates for gas and electrical installations. Deposits taken must be protected in a government-approved scheme. Landlords also need to be aware of the new provisions of the Renters' Rights Act 2025, including changes to eviction grounds, tenancy terms, and the introduction of a new landlord ombudsman.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website