Tenancy Fraud

Our approach to tenancy fraud

We take tenancy fraud seriously and will act to make our homes available to those who genuinely need them.

To prevent tenancy fraud, we require housing applicants to show us that:

• They are in genuine housing need
• They are who they say they are
• There are no reasons why we should not provide them with a property (for example, if they have a history of anti-social behaviour)

We conduct checks at the start of a tenancy to make sure applicants meet our property allocation criteria and that they understand their responsibilities as a tenant.

What we mean by tenancy fraud

Tenancy fraud is when a tenant provides false information to gain a property, sublets the property to someone else, lives in a property after someone has died without the right to do so, or does not use the property as their only or main home.

Signs of tenancy fraud could be: 

• You know someone has another tenancy somewhere else 
• You see unfamiliar people coming and going from the property
• You suspect that someone is not using their home as they should be
• You notice unusual activity at a property, such as people coming and going with suitcases or large bags

What you can expect from us

We will follow up all reports of alleged tenancy fraud. We will work with partners including the local authority, the police and the Department of Work and Pensions. Tenancy fraud is a criminal offence that can lead to eviction, a fine or a prison sentence. 

What will happen during an investigation of tenancy fraud

If we have strong evidence that someone has committed tenancy fraud, we will take steps to recover the property.  This could include starting legal proceedings to end their tenancy.

How to contact us about tenancy fraud

If you suspect tenancy fraud within your community, please report it to us.