Tenancy fraud
We are under ever-increasing pressure for the provision of social housing, so we have to make sure that our homes go to and are occupied by those legally entitled to them. If you are on the waiting list, you will wait even longer if homes are allocated to or occupied by those who have no right to be there. Tenancy fraud is a criminal offence and will be prosecuted under the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013. Convictions can result in a fine, imprisonment, or both. You’re likely to lose your tenancy, and you could lose your right to council housing in the future.
What is housing fraud?
Housing fraud includes:
- not telling the truth when applying for housing – e.g., claiming to be single when you have a partner or giving a false address history
- sub-letting a property while you live elsewhere
- living elsewhere and allowing family members to remain in the property without our permission
- telling us you live at the property when you don’t
- applying to succeed to a tenancy of someone who has died by submitting false information
- applying for a Right To Buy or Mutual Exchange by submitting false information
Contact us
If you suspect that a property is not occupied or illegal subletting is going on, contact us in complete confidence:
Email: benefitfraud@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 300 4154