Licensing in East Devon

• Mandatory HMO licence

  In force

  Mandatory HMO licensing (national scheme, East Devon fees)

  Area

  The whole of East Devon District (national scheme).

  Fee

  Published standard fee: £600

  Application fee guidance page (last updated 8 July 2026): new licence, or relicence with material changes, £600 for up to 5 occupants and £800 for 6 or more occupants; relicensing with no material changes £500 (up to 5) or £700 (6 or more). Subsequent reminder letters £60 each; pre-application advice with inspection £150 per visit. The fee may be varied following consultation with the Private Sector Housing Manager.

  Who needs one

  HMOs occupied by five or more people making up two or more households, including buildings or converted flats where the households lack or share basic amenities such as a toilet, washing or cooking facilities. The council's page says section 257 converted blocks are not covered by mandatory licensing.

  Exemptions

  Statutory exemptions under Schedule 14 to the Housing Act 2004.

  Apply on the council’s website
  ›How we checked this

  The fee page says 'HMO Licences will be issued depending on compliance, from 1 year up to 5 years.' Licences are not transferable; a change of licence holder needs a new application at the full fee. Renewals use a renewal declaration unless there are material changes. The licensing page (last updated 8 July 2026) still carries 2018 wording about the extension of mandatory licensing and says operating without a licence is liable on conviction to an unlimited fine. Contact pshousing@eastdevon.gov.uk.

  Sources

  • eastdevon.gov.uk: licensing of houses in multiple occupation
  • eastdevon.gov.uk: application fee
  • eastdevon.gov.uk: hmo license renewal

We found no consultations when we researched East Devon.

We could not settle these points when we researched East Devon. Check them with the council before you rely on them.

• Not yet confirmed

  No additional or selective licensing scheme, proposal or consultation was found on the council's HMO pages (which describe mandatory licensing only), its sitemap, or East Devon Cabinet, Council and scrutiny agendas from January to November 2026. The council does not expressly state the absence.

• Not yet confirmed

  East Devon's housing civil penalty policy, and whether it reflects the Renters' Rights Act 2025, was not located on the council website (sitemap of 3,500+ pages searched) or in 2026 committee agendas.

• Not yet confirmed

  Absence of an HMO Article 4 direction is inferred; East Devon publishes no Article 4 data to planning.data.gov.uk.

The national landlord register is separate from licensing. East Devon is in South West, where registration is planned from 15 August 2027 to 14 November 2027. The regulations are still in draft. Read about the register