Tenancy fraud

What is tenancy fraud?

There are several types of tenancy fraud, including:

  • misrepresentation - where a tenant makes a false declaration or submits fraudulent documents to obtain council tenancy
  • unlawfully subletting the whole or part of the council property
  • non-occupation - tenants not occupying their council property as their main or principal home
  • succession fraud - when a tenant dies and a person claims the right to succeed by falsely saying they have lived there for the required period
  • right to buy fraud - claiming the right to purchase when the tenant no longer lives there, providing false financial information or completing documents which are false.

Help us by reporting tenancy fraud

Social housing is in high demand. When you report tenancy fraud, you help us:

  • protect our limited housing supply
  • ensure homes go to people who genuinely need them
  • make sure fraudsters are prosecuted.

You can report all suspicions of social housing or tenancy fraud against the council and its partners by:

  • calling the Fraud Hotline on 020 8359 2007
  • emailing the Corporate Anti-Fraud Team at: caft@barnet.gov.uk

You may remain anonymous.

Prosecuting Fraud

Tenancy fraud is a criminal offence. The Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 carries a sentence of up to 2 years and a fine of up to £5,000. Additionally, any loss to the council or profit deemed to have been made from tenancy fraud can be ordered to be repaid to the council.

We also prosecute under the Fraud Act 2006, which carries a:

  • maximum sentence of 10 years
  • unlimited fine
  • or both. 

We will also look recover monies under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 where a tenant has made financial gains from subletting a property or on very serious cases of tenancy fraud.  

The council will also take civil action to recover a property through the County Courts.

How can I hand back keys?

You can hand back your keys to the Corporate Anti-Fraud Team, your Local Housing Officer or Housing office.

If you are a Barnet Homes resident, you can also hand your keys back at 2 Bristol Avenue, Colindale NW9 4EW.

When your tenancy is coming to an end, we will send you an end of tenancy form for you to complete and return.

Who are our partners and participating housing associations?

  • Barnet Homes
  • Family Mosaic
  • Home Group
  • Metropolitan Housing