Tenancy fraud policy

For the purpose of this policy the term 'tenancy fraud' refers to council-owned rented housing that is being used for a purpose other than it is intended. It may also be referred to as social housing fraud, unlawful occupancy, unauthorised occupancy or tenancy misuse.

Tenancy misuse does not refer to cases where tenant(s) have taken in a lodger or sublet part of their property with prior written consent from the council.

Examples of tenancy fraud include, but are not exhaustive:

1. Fraudulently obtaining a social housing tenancy by misrepresentation as to identity or personal circumstances or not declaring interests in other properties.
2. Withholding information or making a false statement when applying for a social housing tenancy.
3. Unlawful subletting, including subletting the whole property or multiple sublets within one property while ceasing to occupy the same.
4. Non occupation by the tenant as their sole or principal home, including tenancy abandonment.
5. Falsely claimed succession where a tenant dies and someone who is not eligible to succeed to the tenancy retains the property.
6. Unauthorised assignment of the tenancy such as an unauthorised mutual exchange or transfer of tenancy without the landlord's permission.
7. "Key selling" - where the tenant leaves the property and passes on the keys in return for a one off lump sum payment or favour.
8. Providing misleading information on identity or personal circumstances and not declaring interests in other property when purchasing a socially rented home under the 'Right to Buy'.