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Housing fraud – what it is

The most common types of housing fraud are shown below.

Not telling the truth when applying for a property

When a person gets a council or housing association property by giving false information in their application, they are committing housing fraud. For example, the person may not tell the landlord (the council or housing association) that they:

• already rent another council or housing association property
• own a property

Fraud is committed if a person claims to have children when they do not – thinking they will be given a higher priority for a home.

Renting out (sub-letting) a property without permission

When a tenant rents out their council or housing association home without the knowledge or permission of the landlord they are ‘unlawfully sub-letting’.

For example, the tenant continues to pay rent directly to their landlord but charges a higher rate to the person they are sub-letting to. The tenant (who should be living in the property) then keeps the extra money.

Living in a property after someone has died without the right to do so

When a tenant dies, the tenancy can sometimes legally pass to another family member. This is called ‘succession’.

Fraud happens when, following the death of the tenant, someone continues to live in the property even when they have no right to. For example, they might not tell the landlord of the death of the tenant, but continue to live in the property.

• Transferring or taking over a tenancy - council tenants

What happens if you commit housing fraud

Housing fraud means someone who may be in greater need of housing doesn't get the chance to be offered a property.

If caught committing fraud, you're likely to lose your tenancy and you could lose your right to council or housing association housing in the future.

Depending on the seriousness of the fraud, it’s also possible you could be fined and/or sent to prison.

• Going to court (crime and justice section)

How to report suspected housing fraud

You may be suspicious of another tenant if you:

• think they have another home their landlord doesn’t know about
• have seen them collect rent from a neighbour

Most councils have a telephone number for people to report suspicious behaviour. You don’t have to give your name or address when reporting suspected fraud.

If you're a housing association tenant, contact your landlord.

• Find your local council

How councils and housing associations check for housing fraud

Councils and housing associations have several ways of preventing housing fraud. These include:

• checking a tenant’s housing record against other records – for example, Housing Benefit or the Electoral Roll
• checking the genuine tenant lives at the property – for example, the landlord can ask to see their passport and a signed tenancy agreement

Checks can happen at any time during the person’s tenancy, without any warning.

More useful links

• Benefit fraud (money, tax and benefits section)

• Audit Commission - National Fraud Initiative Opens new window