After their private sector housing team carried out an inspection of a property in Hawarden (in Deeside) which was occupied by 5 people, the council deemed the property to be an unlicensed HMO. The council inspection also showed that "other housing laws" had been broken.

The defendants, both of RVC Estates Ltd, did not attend the court hearing and were found guilty of 16 offences and fined in their absence. Cllr. Chris Bithell, the council's Cabinet Member for Planning, Public Health and Public Protection said "This successful prosecution sends a clear message that the council will protect its residents from rogue landlords who operate unlicensed HMOs and do not comply with the Rent Smart Wales laws designed to protect tenants ... "