Housing and Tenancy Fraud
The local authority faces mounting demands regarding social housing allocation, making it essential that our properties are assigned to and occupied by those legally entitled to them. Those on the housing register will experience extended waiting periods if dwellings are distributed to, or resided in by, individuals who are not entitled to social housing. If you are on the waiting list, you will wait even longer if homes are allocated to or occupied by those who have no right to be there.
You can report fraud information anonymously if you prefer. Should you choose to provide your personal details, we assure you they will be handled with complete confidentiality.
How to report Housing and Tenancy Fraud
Report a Fraud Online (Click Here)
Fraud reporting hotline – 01727 819332
Tenancy fraud is a criminal offence, and you will be prosecuted under the prevention of social housing fraud act 2013 (POSHFA).
Convictions can result in a fine, imprisonment or both. The courts also have the power to make the tenant pay back any profit made from the fraud.
Examples of Tenancy Fraud
Application / Allocation Fraud
A potential tenant deliberately provides inaccurate information on their housing application with the intention of securing a social housing property.
Subletting Fraud
A tenant rents out all or part of their property on a short-term or long-term basis to someone else without obtaining consent and the knowledge of landlord.
Right to Buy Fraud
A tenant deliberately submits false details on their application to purchase their social housing through the scheme.
Succession Fraud
A person moves into a property when the legal tenant either dies or moves away and that person has no legal right to occupy the premises.
Housing Officers work closely with other departments in the council and external agencies such as Shared Anti-Fraud Services (SAFS). We do make regular visits and checks both in and out of the district.
We will actively investigate any persons who are committing any type of housing fraud to ensure that our properties are allocated to people who legitimately qualify for and require such accommodation.