South West · Council licensing
Landlord licensing in East Devon
✓ Hand-verified 18 Aug 2026Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, East Devon does not currently operate a selective or additional licensing scheme. Here's the current position.
Required for any HMO let to 5 or more people forming 2+ households who share facilities.
East Devon sets this fee under section 63(3) of the Housing Act 2004. Its current charge is not yet recorded here.
The council’s own licensing page carries the charge that applies today — confirm it there before you budget.
Not established is not the same as free.
Evidenced negative by enumeration (first-party research 18 Aug 2026): the council HMO pages state "The government is extending the mandatory HMO licensing scheme to cover properties occupied by five or more people making up two or more households." Only mandatory licensing is published; no selective designation on the council domain and no consultation found 2020-2026.
Evidenced negative by enumeration (first-party research 18 Aug 2026): only the mandatory regime appears, with enforcement stated as "If an HMO is operated without a licence, the person having control of, or the person managing the dwelling is liable on conviction, for an unlimited fine." No s.56 additional designation exists on the council domain. Application is by email to the private sector housing team; no fee is published on the pages reviewed.
Common questions
Does East Devon have a selective licensing scheme?
No. East Devon does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme. Mandatory HMO licensing still applies wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
Does East Devon have an additional HMO licensing scheme?
No. East Devon does not currently operate an additional HMO licensing scheme. Mandatory HMO licensing still applies wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
Do I need an HMO licence in East Devon?
A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including East Devon, where a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households who share basic amenities. Smaller shared houses may also need a licence where an additional licensing scheme applies.
- Free landlord compliance check — five questions, no account
- Tenancy agreement checker — findings cited to the Act and section
All property licensing in South West →
Source: East Devon licensing page →
Every landlord in East Devon also needs
A valid Gas Safety certificate (annual), an EICR (every 5 years), a valid EPC, a protected deposit, smoke & CO alarms, the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet, and a current How to Rent guide — plus the new Section 8 possession rules since Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026.
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