Tenancy fraud is a crime that can lead to a prison sentence if convicted.
There is not enough social housing available, so fraudulent occupation lengthens waiting lists and means those entitled to social housing must live in temporary accommodation, hostels, or far away from their friends and family.
Tenancy fraud costs the UK £2 billion a year. It’s estimated that 50,000 housing association and council homes are occupied by someone who shouldn’t live there, or have obtained the tenancy fraudulently.
Types of tenancy fraud
Common types of tenancy fraud include:
- Subletting without permission.
- Giving false information to acquire an MTVH home.
- Living in a home after someone has died without the right to do so (‘false succession’).
- Selling the keys to someone else to acquire the property.
- Not using an MTVH home as their main and principal home.
- Moving out of the home and not telling us (‘abandonment’).
Report tenancy fraud
Your report will be anonymous and any information you give us will be treated in confidence.
You can also call us on 0203 535 3535. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm (closed on bank holidays).
After you have reported
We’ll investigate your report thoroughly.
We won’t be able to give you any updates on our investigation.