Unlawful subletting, tenancy fraud and squatting

Here are some common examples of tenancy fraud:

• Unlawful subletting: Renting out all or part of your home without letting us know.
• Not living at the property: Using the property as anything other than your main home.
• Wrongly taking over a tenancy: If the tenant passes away and someone else takes over the tenancy without being entitled to. If someone named on the tenancy has passed away, please do reach out to us.
• Key selling: Passing on your keys to someone else in exchange for money or favours.
• Providing false information: Giving incorrect details to get a tenancy.
• Unauthorised transfers: Handing the home over to someone else without our approval.
• Abandoning the property: Moving out without telling us or claiming benefits for a home you’re no longer living in.
• Dual occupancy: Keeping a social rented home while owning or renting another property elsewhere.

Not sure about your tenancy rules? You can also read more about your tenancy rules. Take a look at your tenancy agreement or get in touch with us, we’re happy to help.

Not all unlawful subletting is about financial gain. Sometimes, personal circumstances lead people to make decisions that go against their tenancy agreement. Here are some of the reasons it might happen:

• Helping family or friends: A customer might allow loved ones to live in their home, thinking they’re simply lending a hand.
• Temporary moves: Some customers temporarily move away for work, education, or personal reasons but want to hold onto their home for the future.
• Lack of awareness: Not everyone realises that subletting without permission breaks the rules of their tenancy agreement.
• Pressure or coercion: Vulnerable individuals may be pressured into subletting or taken advantage of in difficult situations.
• Life changes: Events like financial hardship, relationship breakdowns, or health issues might lead someone to sublet as a way to cope.
• Avoiding an empty home: A customer may not want their home to sit empty if they are away for an extended period.

Understanding the reasons behind unlawful subletting helps us approach cases with care and sensitivity. While the rules around subletting must be followed, we also aim to provide appropriate advice and support where it’s needed. If you're unsure then feel free 

As part of your community, you might notice things that don’t quite add up. Here are some signs that could suggest tenancy fraud could be happening:

• Unfamiliar faces: Strangers regularly coming and going from the property, or people living there who you don’t recognise.
• Short-term rentals: Signs the property may being used as a short-term let, these signs could include lots of unfamiliar cars or frequent new occupants.
• Property neglect: The garden or home looks unkempt, or there’s a build-up of post.
• Being advertised: Adverts in local shops on local social media groups, you may even have heard it being talked about. 

If something doesn’t seem right, it might be worth reporting. By flagging your concerns, you’re helping us make sure homes are available for those who truly need them.

We’re committed to making sure our homes are used properly. Here’s how we tackle tenancy fraud:

• Regular checks: We visit homes to confirm the correct tenant is living there.
• Investigations: We accurately record and follow up on reports or concerns from customers, neighbours, or colleagues.
• Legal action: We use appropriate legal powers to deal with confirmed cases.
• Partnerships: We collaborate with organisations, including being a member of the National Anti-Fraud Network (NAFN). Membership allows us to access specialist tools and intelligence to detect and prevent fraud more effectively.
• Team training: We ensure our staff are trained to spot and address tenancy fraud.
• Prevention efforts: We take steps to stop fraud before it happens by thoroughly checking documents prior to the start of a tenancy. 

By tackling tenancy fraud, we can:

• Make sure homes go to the people who need them most.
• Support our communities by providing secure housing.