When somebody with a council house rents it out without permission or obtains a home through providing false information, they are guilty of housing fraud.
There are different types of housing fraud including;
Illegal subletting – the tenant lives elsewhere and sublets the whole of the property to others.
Abandonment – the tenant no longer lives at the property, leaving it empty.
Fraudulent application –a person gets a property by giving false information in their application, for example, not telling us they are renting another council or housing association property.
If you suspect someone in your neighbourhood is committing this crime, report it now! People who are committing housing fraud are denying homes to people in genuine need. It’s not fair.
Recently we acted against a case of housing fraud. We received information that a tenant was sub-letting a three bedroom property to six individuals. The tenant denied knowledge of the sub-tenants and tried to claim his lodger had rented out the property whilst he was on holiday! The tenant was successfully evicted and the property is now being used to rehouse a family in genuine need.
In another case, a tenant requested for their name to be changed on the tenancy. Whilst reviewing the application it was noticed a discrepancy in the details provided. When the “tenant” was interviewed, he admitted that he was not the legal tenant. He had assumed their identity as he was not eligible for social housing. The “tenant” voluntarily moved out and ended the tenancy. The property will be used to rehouse a family that has gone through the Council housing list.
What can you do to help?
If you suspect someone is committing housing fraud, let us know. It could make a real difference. Anything you tell us will be held in the strictest confidence. All reports can be made anonymously.
What happens next?
We will investigate your concerns and take the necessary action. If someone is found to have committed housing fraud that person could lose their tenancy.
You can contact us on 0800 028 2 028 or email occupancy.checks@lewishamhomes.org.uk or write to ‘Freepost LEWISHAM HOMES’ (no stamp needed).
