What Is an HMO?
A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property rented to multiple tenants who are not from the same household and share facilities such as kitchens or bathrooms.
Typical examples include student houses, professional house shares, and shared accommodation for young professionals. HMOs are common in university cities such as Exeter where demand for shared accommodation remains strong.
When Do You Need an HMO Licence in Exeter?
In most cases, an HMO licence is required if a property is occupied by five or more tenants, those tenants form two or more households, and facilities such as bathrooms or kitchens are shared.
Local authorities may also apply additional licensing rules depending on the area. Landlords should always confirm requirements with Exeter City Council before renting an HMO property.
HMO Licensing Requirements
To obtain an HMO licence, landlords must ensure the property meets specific standards. These usually include adequate fire safety measures, minimum bedroom sizes, safe electrical installations, gas safety certification, and adequate bathroom and kitchen facilities. Properties must also be managed responsibly to protect tenant safety.
Managing an HMO Property
Managing an HMO property can be complex because multiple tenants share facilities and tenancy agreements. Landlords often require support with tenant management, maintenance coordination, compliance monitoring and safety inspections.
Professional HMO management services can help landlords operate shared housing effectively. Learn more about professional HMO management in Exeter.
HMO Property Demand in Exeter
Exeter is one of the UK's strongest markets for HMO properties due to the large student population and demand for shared accommodation. Many landlords purchase larger properties close to the university to convert into shared housing.
Explore available student houses in Exeter or read our Exeter property investment guide.