Tenancy Fraud
Tenancy fraud takes affordable homes away from people who need them most.
When a social housing property is obtained or occupied unlawfully, it reduces the number of homes available for those waiting for housing.
If you think tenancy fraud may be taking place, please let us know. We'll look into every report carefully and treat the information you provide in confidence.
You can complete our tenancy fraud reporting form below.
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What is tenancy fraud?
The most common types of tenancy fraud include:
- Unlawful subletting - where a tenant rents out all or part of their home without the landlord's permission, including short-term letting through platforms such as Airbnb.
- Abandonment or non-occupation - where a tenant no longer lives in the property as their main home, leaves it empty, or lives elsewhere while retaining the tenancy.
- Succession fraud - where someone falsely claims the right to take over a tenancy after a tenant's death.
- Obtaining housing by deception by providing false or misleading information on a housing application, Right to Buy application, or Right to Acquire application. This can include owning a property elsewhere whilst living in social housing.
- Key selling - where a tenant receives payment to hand over their keys or property to another person.
Tenancy fraud can be a criminal offence and prevents people in genuine housing need from accessing affordable housing.
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Signs that tenancy fraud may be happening
Some signs that could indicate tenancy fraud include:
- Different people regularly living at the property.
- People arriving with luggage and staying for short periods.
- A property that appears empty for long periods of time.
- Concerns that false information was provided when applying for housing.
- Someone continuing to live in a home after the tenant has died without the legal right to do so.
You don't need proof to raise a concern. If something doesn't seem right, please report it and we'll investigate.
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What happens when you report tenancy fraud?
When a concern is raised, we'll review the information provided and decide what investigation is needed. We may need to contact you if we need further information. Reports can be made anonymously, although providing contact details may help investigators obtain additional information if needed.
All information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence. Any personal details provided by the reporter will never be disclosed to the person being investigated.
If we find tenancy fraud, we will take appropriate action. Because investigations are confidential, we are usually unable to provide you with updates and the outcome.”
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Report suspected tenancy fraud
Help us make sure affordable homes go to the people who need them most. If something doesn't seem right, let us know and we'll investigate.