Tenancy Fraud

What is housing fraud?

Housing fraud is where a Council-owned property is not occupied by the person who is supposed to be there. Examples would be a tenant who sub-lets their property without permission, or who moves out while pretending to still be in occupation, or gives false information to obtain a tenancy.

Why is housing fraud important?

There are a large number of people awaiting housing in Sutton, some of whom are living in very poor or overcrowded conditions. Fraudulent use of social housing stops these people from being re-housed more quickly.

 What does Sutton Housing Partnership do about housing fraud?

We investigate all cases where a fraud is suspected. We may visit and ask to see identification, and run checks to see if the person in occupation has a right to be there. We will always take action to recover a property where there is evidence of unlawful subletting. During the period January 2010 to April 2012 some 58 properties have been recovered as a result of our investigations.

What will happen to someone committing housing fraud?

They will almost certainly lose their right to a Council property. We may seek to recover the money they have gained unlawfully, as well as legal costs and damages. In some cases, housing fraud is a criminal offence and prosecution may follow.

How do I report housing fraud?

If you think a Council-owned property may be occupied by someone who shouldn't be there, you can contact us in confidence on 020 8915 2000 during working hours, or if you want to leave a message ring our hotline on 020 8915 2459. You can also make a report via email at customercare@suttonhousingpartnership.org.uk|

 

Any tenant who unlawfully sublets their property is likely to lose their tenancy