Housing Fraud crackdown releases council housing to those in need

Haringey Council has clamped down on illegal subletting after an investigation revealed a dozen offenders subletting social housing for profit.

Investigators found 12 registered tenants to be living elsewhere whilst renting out the properties to others. Those in question have had their tenancies terminated.

The council and housing association homes have now been freed up to families on waiting lists and in emergency accommodation.

The crackdown has saved £216 000 in taxpayers cash and given properties back to those in need.

Haringey council recovered 25 properties after staging a one-off tenancy fraud amnesty last year. Tenants were given the chance to hand back keys and avoid prosecution.

This new clampdown is part of the council’s continued commitment to tackling housing fraud.

Councillor Jason Arthur, said: “Subletting your council home for personal profit isn’t just illegal – it puts extra pressure on the social housing system and stops families who really need a home from finding one.

“We were clear when we held our amnesty last year that we would come down hard on those who didn’t take the opportunity to come clean.

“These investigations demonstrate that we’re taking action, and we’ll always use every power we have to prosecute those we suspect are flouting the rules.”

Tenancy fraud carries a penalty of up to 2 years in prison and a £ 5 000 fine.

To anonymously report any suspicions of tenancy fraud, emailfraudcall@haringey.gov.uk or call Fraudwatch on freephone 0500 500 777.