Tenancy fraud
In Gateshead, tenancy fraud (also known as housing fraud) is uncommon, but we take any report of it seriously.
Types of tenancy fraud
Read more about the main types of tenancy fraud in council homes:
Giving false statements to obtain a tenancy
For example, when someone applies for a council home and:
- tells us they're homeless when they are not
- joins a housing waiting list and makes a false declaration
- transfers or 'assigns' a tenancy to another person who is not entitled to it
- takes over or 'succeeds' a tenancy if someone dies but is not entitled to
- swaps or 'mutually exchanges' a tenancy with someone else without permission
- changes an existing tenancy, for example by adding or removing a named tenant, without telling us
Giving false statements about personal circumstances
This is when someone:
- makes false statements to improve their housing prospects
- does not report a change of circumstances that affects their housing application
Illegally occupying or subletting
This is where the lawful tenant moves out of the property and lets other people live there without our knowledge or permission.
Giving false statements about Right to Buy
This is when someone makes false statements to:
- buy the property under the Right to Buy scheme
- increase the level of discount under the Right to Buy scheme
- hides who the true buyer of the property is
Not telling us about moving out
This is when someone:
- no longer lives in a council home but has not surrendered the tenancy
- tells us they're still living at a council home when they are not
Why we tackle tenancy fraud
Council housing is a limited and valuable asset.
Tenancy fraud:
- reduces the availability of council housing
- increases waiting times for those in need
In your neighbourhood
Tenancy fraud can harm communities and stop them from thriving. It can lead to:
- antisocial behaviour
- homes being changed without our permission, which can increase the risks of disrepair, and other health and safety issues
Risks for people living in sublet council properties
You may be living in a sublet property and not be aware that this is an illegal sublet. As such you could be a victim of a scam.
People who occupy council properties that are sublet are at risk because:
- their deposits are not secured and protected by law
- they could face short notice and illegal eviction and homelessness
How we tackle tenancy fraud
We check all applications for housing, assignment, succession, mutual exchange and Right to Buy, to make sure they're legitimate.
We conduct a home visits and tenancy audits on tenancies.
We also check properties are occupied in accordance with the tenancy agreement.
We take part in the National Fraud Initiative which involves data matching to combat tenancy fraud and other fraud against the council.
If you commit tenancy fraud
If you make false statements to get a tenancy:
- your application may be cancelled
- your priority need may be reviewed
- if you got a tenancy, we may serve notice and take court action to repossess the property
If you sublet your property, we will act, including taking court action, to repossess the property.
Subletting a council property is an offence under the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013.
We will prosecute where there is enough evidence and it is in the public interest to do so
Report suspected tenancy fraud
If you suspect that someone is committing tenancy fraud, such as illegally subletting their council home, we would like to know about it.
Illegally subletting a council home is a criminal offence. If you suspect someone is illegally subletting or wrongly claiming for a tenancy, please report it, giving as much detail as you can.
Report suspected fraud
Your information could make a real difference.
We investigate tenancy fraud against housing stock that is owned or managed by the council.
In these cases, you can report the fraud to us.
The more information you can provide the better, as it will help with our investigation.
Everything you share will be treated in the strictest confidence. You do not need to give your personal details.
All reports of tenancy fraud are reviewed by the Corporate Fraud Team alongside our Housing Team.
We aim to review all reports within 10 working days of being received.
In most cases, we will be unable to give you updates or information about an investigation.