Tenancy fraud

We provide homes for customers who need them the most. This is why we need to be vigilant about tenancy fraud - please read more below.

What is tenancy fraud?

Tenancy fraud takes place when someone provides false information to obtain their home, sublets their home to someone else, or does not use it as their only or main home. There are many different types of tenancy fraud but these are the most common:

Key selling
Where a customer is paid to pass on their keys in return for a one-off payment.

Obtaining housing by deception
Where a customer obtains a home by giving false information on their housing application. 

Unlawful assignment
Where a customer stops using their tenancy as their principal home, allowing another person to live there without our permission. 

Unlawful subletting
Where a customer rents out their home without the knowledge or permission of the landlord. 

Wrongly claimed succession
Where the main tenant dies, and someone tries to take over or succeed the tenancy they are not entitled to. 

If you commit tenancy fraud, you will be in breach of your tenancy agreement, and you are also breaking the law. In addition to the risk of losing your home, you could incur high court costs. Tenancy fraud holds a penalty of up to two years in prison and a £50,000 fine. We take cases of tenancy fraud very seriously, and we will investigate all reports of alleged tenancy fraud and take action accordingly. We may not be able to share information and investigations will involve working with partners including the local authority, the police or the Department of Work and Pensions. 


How do I report tenancy fraud?

If you think someone in your area may be subletting their home, living elsewhere, or suspect any of the other types of tenancy fraud, please report this to us in confidence by: