Landlord licensing in Exeter City Council
South West · England · Postcode areas EX1, EX2, EX4
Licensing at a glance
- HMO licensing
- Mandatory HMO licensing applies citywide for qualifying properties.
- Additional licensing
- Additional licensing currently covers all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) with three or more tenants forming two or more households across the entire city of Exeter, 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 Renters' Rights Act 2025 provisions commencing in 2026, including the abolition of Section 21 evictions, new grounds for possession, new rules regarding tenant requests to keep pets, and the introduction of a new landlord ombudsman. Compliance with property condition standards is crucial to avoid penalties.
Official links
Licensing designations, fees and boundaries change regularly. This page is a general summary, not legal advice — always confirm the position for the exact address with Exeter City Council before letting. Last reviewed 1 October 2026.