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Tess Wigram, Lettings Manager at Stags Exeter, reports that the Exeter rental market remains strong, but is also becoming more complex.
Since the Renters’ Rights Act changes came into force on the 1st May 2026, many landlords have been reviewing how they manage their rental property, protect their position, and attract the right tenants. The new legislation represents one of the most significant shifts in the private rented sector in recent years. However, the message is clear, good advice and careful management matter more than ever.
Demand in the Exeter Rental Market
Exeter continues to be a resilient rental market. With its university, hospital, strong employment base, good transport links, and attractive surrounding villages, tenant demand remains healthy. Well‑presented homes in good locations are still attracting strong interest and achieving good rental levels.
However, in light of the recent changes, the importance of tenant selection, compliance, referencing, documentation, and ongoing management has increased. Landlords are no longer simply looking for someone to find them a tenant, many are now seeking a professional agent who can manage the process effectively from the outset.
Quality Tenants, Strong Rents, and Proper Protection
Rental levels remain healthy, but the best outcomes are achieved by getting the basics right. Accurate pricing, good presentation, effective marketing, thorough referencing, and clear communication all play a key role in securing reliable tenants and reducing the likelihood of issues occurring later on.
Have You Considered a Lettings Management Service?
With the Renters’ Rights changes now in place, more landlords are considering full management, as it becomes clear that effective tenancy management involves more than day‑to‑day maintenance.
The market remains busy, legislation has changed, and the risks of getting things wrong have increased. Rent increases must now be handled through the correct process, including the Section 13 route, and landlords need to be clear on the updated rules around tenancy structures, notices, and their ongoing obligations.
Why Choose Stags?
In a competitive market such as Exeter, it can be tempting to focus on headline monthly costs, but this does not always reflect the level of service provided. Landlords should look for experience, clear communication, and confidence that their property is in safe hands.
At Stags, our experienced lettings team combines strong local knowledge with the wider support of the Stags network, providing reassurance that each property is being professionally managed. A good agent will advise on pricing, presentation, legal requirements, tenant suitability, maintenance, and long‑term strategy, while also keeping landlords informed and responding quickly when issues arise.
How to Choose the Right Estate Agent
For landlords with a single property, a growing portfolio, or a property you have previously managed yourselves, now is a good time to review your position. The question is not simply whether a property can be let, but whether it is being let and managed in the most effective way.
If you are a landlord in Exeter or the surrounding area and would like advice on the current rental market, tenant demand, rental value, or the requirements of the Renters’ Rights Act, our experienced lettings team would be pleased to help.
Visit our Renters’ Rights Hub for more information, or to book a free RRA consultation. Alternatively, get in touch with your local Stags office to be put in contact with your local lettings expert.
