Tenancy fraud

Tenancy fraud happens when someone breaks the rules of their tenancy agreement. This can include:

• Illegally renting out a property for profit (also known as subletting)
• Not using the home as your main or only residence
• Providing incorrect or misleading information to get housing
• Trying to take over a tenancy without qualifying
• Giving false details to buy a home at a discount
• Selling the keys and walking away from the tenancy.

Tenancy fraud isn’t a victimless crime, it affects everyone. It denies homes to families in need, adds pressure to the housing crisis, and costs money that could otherwise be used to improve services or help build new homes.

How to report tenancy fraud

If you suspect tenancy fraud, please let us know so we can look into it. You can reach out to us using

• our online form,
• email us at tenancyfraudteam@southernhousing.org.uk or
• call us on 0300 020 0540.

All the information you provide will be treated in confidence.

Reporting Benefit or Council Tax fraud

If your concern relates solely to someone living with a genuine tenant while that tenant is claiming benefits as a single person, this does not constitute tenancy fraud. Concerns of this nature should be reported directly to the relevant authority:

• Benefit fraud: Report online via GOV.UK at Report benefit fraud - GOV.UK
• Council Tax fraud: Please contact the relevant local authority directly.

What's the impact of tenancy fraud?