England · Private rented sector
Landlord templates — Exeter
Tenancy agreements, notices, and compliance documents for Exeter landlords. All documents updated for the Renters' Rights Act 2025, effective 1 May 2026.
Private rented households
~22,000
Average monthly rent (1-bed)
~£950
Student population
~28,000
Exeter rental market — what landlords need to know
Exeter has a high-demand private rented sector anchored by the University of Exeter — one of the UK's highest-ranked universities — and growing professional employment in the city's expanding tech and public sector base. Rents have risen sharply in recent years and the vacancy rate is very low. Exeter is one of the most competitive buy-to-let markets in the South West.
Licensing requirements in Exeter
Exeter City Council operates additional HMO licensing for smaller shared properties with 3 or more occupants from 2 or more households. Given the large student population, a significant proportion of Exeter's rental stock is covered. Check the Exeter City Council licensing register before letting any shared property.
Essential documents for Exeter landlords
View all →Periodic Assured Tenancy Agreement
The new default English tenancy from 1 May 2026. Periodic from day one, with the prescribed written statement of terms built in.
Section 8 Notice Pack (All Grounds)
Every mandatory and discretionary ground on the new 2026 list, pre-labelled with the notice period, arrears threshold, and evidence block.
Landlord Annual Compliance Checklist
Annual walk-through of every compliance touchpoint: gas, electrical, EPC, smoke/CO, Right-to-Rent, deposit, licensing, database registration.
Renters' Rights Act Transition Pack
For landlords who need to migrate existing ASTs onto the new regime. The single most-searched landlord product of 2026.
What changes for Exeter landlords on 1 May 2026
- → Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions permanently abolished — use Section 8
- → All new tenancies must use Periodic Assured Tenancy Agreements — no more ASTs
- → Rent increases via Section 13 only — contractual review clauses unenforceable
- → Pet requests must be considered — blanket ‘no pets’ policies are unlawful
- → Private landlord database registration coming — date TBC
Exeter landlord FAQs
Do Exeter student houses need an HMO licence?
Exeter City Council operates additional HMO licensing covering shared properties with 3 or more occupants from 2 or more households. Given the large University of Exeter student population, most student houses in St James, Heavitree, and Newtown require a licence. Check the Exeter licensing register — operating without a required licence carries civil penalties of up to £30,000 and exposes the landlord to a rent repayment order.
Does the Renters' Rights Act affect Exeter landlords?
Yes. Exeter is in England and all Renters' Rights Act 2025 provisions apply from 1 May 2026 — including abolition of Section 21, mandatory Periodic Assured Tenancy Agreements for all new lettings, Section 13 rent increases using Form 4A, Awaab's Law, and the Information Sheet obligation for existing tenants (deadline 31 May 2026). Student landlords in Exeter should note that Ground 4A allows possession between 1 June and 30 September for qualifying student HMOs.