01392 459 900

Student Property Management Services in Exeter

Student property management for Exeter landlords.

Get Free Rental Valuation

Why Landlords Choose Us

✓
Tenancy Management
Marketing, pricing and tenancy coordination
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4,500+ Students Housed
Since 2007
✓
HMO licensing support
Full HMO licensing expertise
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Local Team, Local Knowledge
Local Exeter-based team

Choose Your Route

Get a Rental Valuation
Find out what your property could earn in the Exeter student market
Free Valuation
Book a Management Consultation
Discuss full management or let-only options for your HMO
Book Consultation
Get an HMO Compliance Check
Review your licensing, safety certificates, and legal requirements
Compliance Check

Historic Portfolio Data

98%
Recorded Occupancy Rate
6-8%
Recorded Gross Yield Range
19
Years in Exeter

Historic figures for managed student HMOs in the Gillams Exeter portfolio: occupancy relates to the 2023/24 academic year; gross yields relate to 2022–2024. Last updated: January 2026. Ask for a breakdown. Past performance does not guarantee future occupancy or yields; individual property results vary.

Full Regulatory Compliance

We support landlords with HMO licensing, safety certificates and ongoing compliance requirements.

HMO Licensing

  • Mandatory HMO licence applications
  • Local licensing schemes (where applicable)
  • Exeter City Council liaison
  • Licence renewal management

Safety Certificates

  • Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) - Annual
  • EICR Electrical Testing - 5 yearly
  • PAT Testing for appliances
  • Fire risk assessment & equipment

Legal Protection

  • Government deposit scheme protection
  • Compliant AST agreements
  • Right to Rent checks
  • EPC minimum E rating compliance

Industry Accreditations & Memberships

Money Shield

Client Money Protection

Gillams is a member of Money Shield, a government-approved Client Money Protection scheme for our residential lettings.

Protection details and scope
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Property Redress Scheme
Independent dispute resolution
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ICO Registered
Data protection compliant
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Professional Indemnity
Full insurance coverage

How Our Landlord Service Works

From initial valuation to ongoing management, we handle every aspect of letting your student property.

1

Free Valuation

We visit your property, assess its potential, and provide a rental valuation based on current Exeter student market rates.

2

Compliance Check

We review your HMO licence status, safety certificates, and identify any compliance gaps before marketing.

3

Find & Vet Tenants

Professional photography, multi-channel marketing, viewings, and thorough referencing including guarantor checks.

4

Move-In & Manage

Inventory, check-in, rent collection, maintenance coordination, inspections, and end-of-tenancy management.

Complete Student Property Management

Full Property Management

  • Tenant finding & comprehensive vetting
  • Rent collection & arrears chasing
  • Property maintenance coordination
  • 24/7 emergency support line
  • Quarterly property inspections
  • End of tenancy & deposit return

HMO Compliance

  • HMO licence applications & renewals
  • Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
  • EICR electrical testing
  • Fire safety & risk assessments
  • Council inspection support
  • Deposit scheme protection

Financial Management

  • Guaranteed rent options available
  • Monthly landlord statements
  • Annual tax documentation
  • Bills management service
  • Insurance advice & renewals
  • Void period minimisation

Choose Your Management Level

Let Only Service
60% of first month's rent
May suit:
→ Experienced landlords who prefer hands-on management
→ Local owners with time for tenant queries
→ Properties with existing management systems
  • Professional marketing & photography
  • Accompanied viewings
  • Full tenant & guarantor referencing
  • Contract preparation
  • Deposit registration
  • Check-in & inventory
✓ Average tenant-find turnaround: 3 weeks

Recent Success Stories

5-bed Pennsylvania HMO → Pre-let by December
Pennsylvania October → December (8 weeks)
Outcome: Fully let to a group of 3rd-year students before Christmas break
What we did:
✓ Professional photography and floor plan
✓ Listed on student portals and social media
✓ Coordinated group viewings with student groups
✓ Completed referencing and guarantor checks before term end
HMO Compliance Uplift Before Council Inspection
St Davids 4-week turnaround
Outcome: Passed Exeter City Council inspection with zero issues
What we did:
✓ Full compliance audit (Gas, EICR, fire safety)
✓ Coordinated emergency fire door replacement
✓ Updated all safety signage and equipment
✓ Prepared documentation pack for inspector visit

Best Areas for Student Property Investment

Campus Access
Pennsylvania

Residential streets near Streatham Campus; walking distance varies by property.

View area guide →
St Davids

Residential streets near St Davids station, with routes towards Streatham Campus.

View area guide →
Mount Pleasant

Residential streets with routes towards the city centre and both campuses.

View area guide →
St James

Near St Luke's Campus. Popular with medical and nursing students.

View area guide →
Heavitree

Local shops and bus routes; assess purchase costs and rental performance for each property.

View area guide →

What Landlords Say About Us

"I've worked with Gillams for 5 years across 3 properties. They handle the HMO compliance, find reliable student tenants, and I barely have to think about it. Occupancy has been at or near 100% every year."
James H., HMO Investor
"As a first-time buy-to-let landlord, the compliance requirements were overwhelming. Gillams walked me through HMO licensing, arranged all the safety certificates, and had the property let within 3 weeks."
Rachel M., First-Time Landlord

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes student properties a good investment in Exeter?

Assess a student rental property using its purchase price, recorded or proposed rent, occupancy assumptions, management costs, maintenance and licensing requirements. Rental income and costs vary by property; returns and occupancy are not guaranteed.

Do I need an HMO licence for student properties in Exeter?

Yes, properties with 5 or more tenants forming 2 or more households require a mandatory HMO licence from Exeter City Council. Smaller HMOs may require additional licensing where applicable - check current Exeter City Council guidance for the latest requirements. Gillams handles the entire HMO application process, ensures compliance with all regulations, and manages ongoing requirements including safety certificates and inspections.

How much can I charge for student accommodation in Exeter?

Rental rates vary by location, property size, and quality. Assess each property using its location, condition, facilities and recorded rental evidence. For an accurate valuation of your specific property, contact our team for a free, no-obligation rental assessment based on current market data.

What compliance certificates do student HMOs need in Exeter?

Student HMOs require: Gas Safety Certificate (annual, CP12), Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR, every 5 years), Energy Performance Certificate (EPC rating E minimum), Fire safety equipment and risk assessment, HMO licence from Exeter City Council (every 5 years), and deposit protection within a government-approved scheme. Gillams manages all compliance documentation and renewal schedules.

How do you find and vet student tenants?

We market through our website, student portals, and University accommodation offices. All tenants undergo comprehensive referencing including identity checks, University enrollment verification, and guarantor assessments. We require UK-based guarantors (usually parents) who undergo credit and affordability checks. Groups of friends are preferred to reduce conflicts.

What is the student letting cycle in Exeter?

The Exeter student letting cycle follows a predictable pattern: October-December sees groups forming and early viewings (peak booking season - most properties reserved), January-March for remaining properties, July for check-out, August for any refurbishment work, and September for new tenant check-ins. Properties are typically let 9-12 months in advance.

What are the best areas for student property investment in Exeter?

Consider Pennsylvania, St Davids, Mount Pleasant, St James and Heavitree according to the individual property, campus routes, transport and local facilities. Review recorded rents, purchase costs, condition and management requirements for each property. See our area guides for location details.

Discuss Your Student Property

Get a free, no-obligation rental valuation from our Exeter team. We can discuss your property and the management services available.

Call 01392 459 900

Your Protection & Our Credentials

Deposit Protection

All deposits protected with government-approved schemes (MyDeposits/DPS).

Property Redress Scheme

PRS member for independent complaints handling.

HMO Licensing

HMO licensing is managed where required through Exeter City Council.

Safety Documentation

We coordinate applicable gas, electrical and EPC documentation.