Gillams manages student houses and HMOs across Exeter for landlords. From tenant sourcing and compliance to ongoing maintenance, we handle everything so you don't have to.
Request a Management Proposal →What We Provide for Student Landlords
Tell us about your student property and we'll outline a management package to suit:
Who We Are
At Gillams Properties, we're a dedicated student letting agent in Exeter, helping University of Exeter students find quality houses and flats in the best locations. From 1–10 bed shared houses to city-centre flats, we specialise in student lettings with clear contracts, fair rents and friendly local support for students and landlords.
Since 2007, we've helped thousands of students find quality accommodation close to both Streatham and St Luke's campuses. We're a local team who know Exeter inside out. We manage properties ourselves, which means when you need help during your tenancy, you're speaking to people who can actually fix problems — not a distant call centre.
Our focus is straightforward: quality houses, fair terms, and genuine support throughout your tenancy. No hidden fees, no surprises, just honest student lettings.
What Makes Us Different
There are plenty of letting agents in Exeter. Here's why students choose Gillams:
- Local and accessible — Our team is based in Exeter. You can call us or email us. When something needs fixing, we're nearby.
- We manage our own properties — We don't just find tenants and disappear. We handle maintenance, inspections, and support throughout your tenancy.
- Transparent pricing — Our listings show what you'll actually pay. Bills-included options are clearly marked. No hidden admin fees.
- Quality standards — Every property has up-to-date safety certificates (Gas Safety, EICR). We don't let substandard houses.
- 18 years of experience — We understand what students need: proximity to campus, reliable heating, fast wifi, and responsive maintenance.
Our Student Letting Process
Finding a student house through Gillams is straightforward:
- Browse online — View all our available properties with photos, floor plans, prices, and walking times to campus. Filter by area, size, or price.
- Book a viewing — Request viewings online or call us. We accommodate group viewings so your whole household can see the property together.
- Secure your house — When you've found the right place, we'll guide you through reserving it. Clear contracts, deposit protection in a government scheme, and everything explained properly.
- Move in and enjoy — We do a proper check-in with inventory. Throughout your tenancy, our maintenance team is on hand. If something breaks, we fix it quickly.
Most student houses are let 9-12 months in advance, so if you're looking for next September, start viewing from October onwards.
Student Letting Timeline
The Exeter student accommodation cycle follows a predictable pattern each year:
Pro tip: The earlier you start looking, the more choice you'll have — especially for popular areas like Pennsylvania and group sizes like 4-6 beds.
Student Areas in Exeter
We let properties across all the popular student areas near the University of Exeter:
- Pennsylvania — The closest residential area to Streatham Campus. High demand, quick walks to lectures, popular with all year groups.
- St Davids — Premium area with larger houses. Slightly further from campus but quieter streets and good-sized properties.
- Mount Pleasant — Central location, easy access to both campuses and the city centre. Good for groups wanting flexibility.
- City Centre — Perfect if you want shops, cafes, and nightlife on your doorstep. Short walk or bus to campus.
- Heavitree — More affordable area with good bus links. Popular with students looking for better value.
- St James — Close to St Luke's Campus. Ideal for medical and nursing students.
Each area has its own character and price range. We can advise which areas suit your priorities and budget.
House Sizes and Group Living
We let student houses from 2 bedrooms up to 10+ bedrooms, so whether you're a small group of friends or a larger household, we can help.
Most groups start looking in October-December for the following September. The most popular sizes (4-6 bed houses in Pennsylvania and St Davids) go quickly, so early viewing is recommended.
If your group changes size or you need to find people to share with, talk to us. We can sometimes match individuals or smaller groups with available rooms.
Pricing and What's Included
Student rents in Exeter vary by area, house size, and condition. Our listings always show the weekly rent per person, making it easy to compare.
Many of our properties offer bills-included options, where gas, electricity, water, and wifi are bundled into one monthly payment. This makes budgeting simpler — no splitting bills with housemates.
All our tenancies include:
- Deposit protection in a government-approved scheme
- Clear tenancy agreements with terms explained
- Up-to-date safety certificates (Gas Safety, EICR)
- Responsive maintenance support
- Proper check-in with photographic inventory
For Parents
We understand that parents are often involved in the house-hunting process. You're welcome to attend viewings, and we're happy to answer questions about contracts, deposits, and what's included.
If you're acting as a guarantor, we'll explain exactly what that involves. Our contracts are clear and fair — no unreasonable clauses or hidden obligations.
For more information specifically for parents, see our Parents' Guide.
Trust & Protection
Student Property Management for Landlords in Exeter
If you own a student house in Exeter and are looking for a letting agent to manage it, Gillams Properties provides a complete student property management service for landlords across the city.
We handle everything on your behalf: marketing the property to University of Exeter students, conducting viewings, referencing tenants, drafting tenancy agreements, collecting rent, and managing day-to-day maintenance. Landlords receive regular updates and clear monthly statements.
- Student HMO management — Full management of houses in multiple occupation, including licensing, compliance, and tenant coordination.
- Tenant sourcing and referencing — We find quality students and run thorough referencing checks including UK guarantors.
- Rent collection and arrears — We collect rent on time and manage any arrears professionally so you don't have to.
- Maintenance and inspections — Routine property inspections and a responsive maintenance team keep properties in good condition.
- Safety compliance — We ensure all required safety certificates (Gas Safety, EICR, EPC) are current and HMO licensing is in place where required.
Whether you have a single student house or a portfolio of properties across Exeter, our team provides the same consistent service. To discuss your property, visit our landlord services page or learn more about our specialist HMO management in Exeter.
Get a Rental Estimate for Your Student Property
Own a student house in Exeter? Tell us a few details and our team will provide an estimated rental income and management proposal — no obligation, no sales pressure.
Prefer to speak to someone? Call 01392 459900