How to report an unlicensed HMO to Caerphilly Council
Reporting is free — and separate from your claim
Reporting an unlicensed HMO to Caerphilly triggers enforcement: civil penalties up to £30,000, prosecution, banning orders. It creates an official record — useful corroboration later. What it does not do is recover your rent: a rent repayment order is a separate tribunal application you make yourself.
How to report: phone the council’s private sector housing team (find the number on the council’s reporting page). Anonymous reports are accepted by most councils, but a named report carries more weight.
What to put in the report
- The full property address and postcode.
- How many people live there, in how many households, who shares what.
- The landlord or agent's name as on your tenancy agreement.
- Photos: rooms in use as bedrooms, shared facilities, overcrowding, hazards.
- The register check result (dated screenshot — how).
What happens next
The council's housing team should acknowledge and inspect. Outcomes range from informal rectification to a licence demand, civil penalty, or prosecution. Enforcement is the council's decision; your rent repayment order is yours. Do both — in that order — and keep every letter.
In Wales, licensing runs through Rent Smart Wales, which also takes reports.
Wales note
Caerphilly is in Wales: claims are decided by the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales and licensing runs through Rent Smart Wales. The principles above carry over; the forum differs. Shelter Cymru: 08000 495 495.
*Reviewed by Sean McNamara against legislation.gov.uk and GOV.UK guidance. Last verified 2026-09-04.*
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Reviewed by Sean McNamara against legislation.gov.uk, GOV.UK tribunal guidance and council registers. Last verified: 2026-09-04.