What is tenancy fraud?
Tenancy fraud is when someone lives in a home, or allows others to live there, without the legal right to do so. It stops people in genuine need from accessing safe, affordable housing.
We want to make sure our homes are lived in by the people who need them most, and we always take a fair and understanding approach when looking into concerns about tenancy fraud.
Examples of tenancy fraud
- Sub-letting a home without our permission
- Not living in your home as the main tenant while someone else stays there
- Using false information to get a home
We take tenancy fraud seriously and investigate every report we receive. Our teams may:
- Visit the home to check who is living there
- Speak to neighbours
- Review gas access history, repairs, fob use and CCTV where relevant
- Look for unusual rent payments or signs the tenant is living elsewhere
- Work with councils, the police and other agencies if needed
Our approach to tenancy fraud is set out in our Tenure Policy on page 5. This explains how we manage tenancies; investigate suspected fraud and the action we may take. If you’re concerned about possible tenancy fraud or need advice, please contact us and we’ll look into it.
We always try to resolve things by talking first, but if tenancy fraud is confirmed, we may need to take action. We can:
- Take legal action to get the home back so it can be given to someone who needs it
- Ask the people living there to leave, including giving a formal notice if the tenant has already moved out
- Work with the police or local authority if the fraud is serious or involves sub-letting for profit
Tenancy fraud is a serious breach of tenancy, and people involved may lose their home and could face legal consequences.
Here are real anonymised case studies showing how reports help us keep homes available for those who need them:
1
A sensitive situation where we tried to help, but the person couldn’t stay
After a tenant sadly passed away, their partner remained in the home without taking the steps needed to stay there. They already had their own social housing tenancy elsewhere, so we offered support and tried to help them return to that home. We reached out several times and tried to work with them to find a solution, but they chose not to engage with us. We understand how difficult and emotional situations like this can be, and we always try to help as much as we can. Unfortunately, because we couldn’t make progress together and they weren’t able to remain in their partner’s home, legal action had to begin.
2
A caring responsibility, not fraud
A neighbour told us the tenant might not be living at their home. The tenant explained they had been away caring for family members and confirmed they still lived in the property. The case was closed.
3
We tried to make contact but couldn’t reach the tenant
A report suggested a home might be abandoned or being sub–let. Despite repeated attempts, we couldn’t contact the tenant, and checks showed they may be living at another address. The case was moved to legal action.
4
A friend was allowed to stay in the home temporarily
We investigated a report of unlawful occupation. The tenant confirmed a friend had been staying temporarily, and we added them as an authorised household member. No fraud was taking place.
5
Warning issued after lodger report
Someone reported that a “lodger” was living in the home. The person had already moved out, but we issued a warning to the tenant about sub–letting.
6
Tenant fled for safety
A neighbour suspected sub–letting, but the tenant had actually left the home temporarily for safety reasons. Once they found an alternative home to stay in, they chose to end their tenancy.
7
Tenant abroad and decided not to return
We received reports the home was no longer occupied by the tenant. They were abroad due to family loss, and a friend had been staying there to keep the home safe. They later confirmed they were remaining abroad permanently and ended the tenancy.
8
Evidence gathered for legal action
A report suggested the tenant had moved out and others were using the home. A warning was issued, evidence was gathered, and the tenant later ended the tenancy themselves.
9
Tenant moved out and allowed someone else to live there
A tenant applied to pass their tenancy to someone else, but checks showed they had already moved out and had been allowing their sister to live in the home. The application was refused, legal action started, and the tenancy later ended.
10
Checks confirmed the tenant was living there
We received a report about possible sub–letting. After several attempts, our team gained access and confirmed the tenant was living there alone. The case was closed.
If you’re worried someone may be committing tenancy fraud, please let us know. Reports can be made anonymously by completing the online form below.
