This week is International Fraud Awareness Week. It’s been estimated that Tenancy Fraud costs the national public purse £900 million a year. Tenancy fraud makes it harder for us to provide settled homes for people who truly need it.
Southway is part of Manchester’s Tenancy Fraud Steering Group, which brings together partners from across Manchester to coordinate efforts to prevent, detect, and address tenancy fraud.
Social housing provides security and stability to people in housing need. Tenancy fraud makes it harder for us to provide settled homes for people who truly need it. The cost of tenancy fraud isn’t just financial, it has a negative impact on the education of children, health, employment prospects, and the creation of safe communities.
All social housing tenants have an obligation to act within the terms of their tenancy agreements and could be subject to severe penalties should they commit tenancy fraud.
Tenancy fraud includes:
- Unlawful subletting: Letting out a property without landlord consent.
- Unlawful tenancy succession: Attempting to take over a tenancy without eligibility after the tenant dies.
- Unlawful tenancy assignment: Transferring tenancy without landlord approval.
- Obtaining housing by deception: Using false information to secure housing.
- Key selling: Accepting payment to hand over property keys to someone else.
Tenancy fraud is a criminal offence, and perpetrators could be subject to imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £50,000 as well as losing their tenancy. Southway has a duty to make best use of public resources and ensure that the homes we provide are properly managed. We’re committed to tackling tenancy fraud and will take the appropriate action against perpetrators.
If you suspect that a property in your area may be subject to tenancy fraud, or if you need some advice, please contact our Housing Management & Support Team.
