The hidden impact of Tenancy Fraud on our community
Tenancy fraud is where a tenant(s) is living in a social housing property when they shouldn’t be. This may involve breaching of a tenancy agreement, which can occur in a number of ways, such as:
- Unlawful subletting (renting out some or all of the rented property without permission).
- Knowingly giving false information on the housing application to get a larger or different housing offer.
- Wrongly claimed succession (taking over a tenancy if the resident passes away or moves out without the landlord's knowledge or consent).
- Key selling.
- Abandonment (not telling us that the tenants/your household won’t be returning to the property).
- Keeping a social rented home when you own another property.
- Property exchanges without our permission.
Tenancy Fraud has negative implications for both individuals and their neighbourhood:
- Misuse of Housing
When someone fraudulently occupies a property, they are taking housing opportunities away from people who have a genuine need.
- Increased Housing Costs
Tenancy Fraud can lead to resource misallocation and higher housing expenses for everyone involved. The competition for affordable housing is increasing along with the demand for it, which may result in higher rental costs and a shortage of available homes.
- Neighbourhood Disruption
Unauthorised occupants may not adhere to the same rules and regulations as other residents, potentially causing disturbances or conflicts.
- Legal and Ethical Violations
Engaging in Tenancy Fraud often involves violating legal and ethical standards. This can result in legal action and significant fines.
Tenancy Fraud undermines the fair distribution of housing resources. We work closely with local councils and other external agencies to identify and tackle Tenancy Fraud. We are part of the Bucks Tenancy Fraud Forum where we actively engage in best practice sharing with our partner agencies in an effort to prevent Tenancy Fraud.
For more information on signs to look out for in your community and what to do if you suspect someone is being fraudulent, please visit our Tenancy Fraud webpage.
