How to report an unlicensed HMO to Wealden Council
Reporting is free — and separate from your claim
Reporting an unlicensed HMO to Wealden 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.
If the council does not act, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman takes maladministration complaints about council inaction.
*Reviewed by Sean McNamara against legislation.gov.uk and GOV.UK guidance. Last verified 2026-09-04.*
Ready to claim? The Casewright RRO Pack helps you calculate the rent to reclaim (including Universal Credit and utility deductions), complete Form RRO1, and compile a bookmarked, searchable First-tier Tribunal applicant bundle. It is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Flat £149 — no percentage of your award.
Reviewed by Sean McNamara against legislation.gov.uk, GOV.UK tribunal guidance and council registers. Last verified: 2026-09-04.