Reporting fraud – see it, report it, stop it
It is important that all the homes in your community, including yours, are used by the people who need them – that’s why we take fraud very seriously. If you spot someone committing fraud, please let us know (and don't worry, we can keep your identity private). Here are the most common types of fraud:
Unlawful subletting
This is when a tenant rents out their home without us knowing or giving permission.
Abandonment or non-occupation
When a tenant leaves their home without letting us know, this is called ‘abandonment’. It’s known as ‘non-occupation’ when your home is not your main home and isn’t used very often.
Wrongly claimed succession
As our homes are homes for life, it can mean that a tenant may pass away in their home. If this happens, and someone tries to take over the tenancy without being entitled to the home, it’s known as wrongly claimed succession.
Key selling
This is when a tenant is paid to give their keys to another person.
False Right to Buy or Right to Acquire
You may be entitled to buy your home under the Right to Buy or Right to Acquire government schemes, however if you give us false information as part of your application, you will be committing fraud.
Benefit fraud
It is illegal to claim benefits you are not entitled to on purpose (for example not informing of change of circumstances or providing false information). For benefit fraud, it’s best to call the benefit fraud hotline.
How we respond to fraud
If we receive a report of fraud being committed, we will work with the police and other organisations to ensure action is taken and this may result in you losing your home.
Tenancy Fraud is a criminal offence and in the very worst instances could result in two years in prison or a maximum of £50,000 fine. So, if you see it, make sure you report it and we can help put an end to it.