Apex is working to prevent tenancy fraud and ensure our homes are given to those in genuine housing need.Help Apex tackle tenancy fraud
Apex Housing Association is committed to preventing, detecting and tackling tenancy fraud. Demand for social housing is high therefore it is important that those in greatest need are housed. Apex will take action to prevent tenancy fraud and, where it arises, we will ensure that it is addressed.
You can help us tackle tenancy fraud.
What is tenancy fraud?
Tenancy fraud is the use of social housing by someone who is not entitled to it. This includes:
- Giving false information in a housing application to improve the chances of getting a property, for example falsely claiming to be living with a relative or failing to disclose a change of circumstances
- Abandonment of the property and living elsewhere, either leaving the property empty or selling the key to someone else for a one off payment, for example where a tenant leaves their own property to move in with a partner
- Subletting the property to someone who is not entitled to live there. Often in these cases the person renting the property does not know that their ‘landlord’ does not own the property
- False succession where the tenancy is taken over, often on the death of the tenant, by someone who falsely claims to have been living there for some time
- Providing misleading information on an application to purchase the property, through the right to buy scheme
Unlawful assignment which occurs when a tenant has moved out and given the property over to a friend or family member, allowing them to ‘queue jump’ the waiting list and bypass the assessment for social housing
How tenancy fraud can affect your community
Tenancy Fraud can:
- Prevent those in genuine need being housed
- Result in antisocial behaviour and properties falling into disrepair
- Impact negatively on community relations
- Cause benefit fraud and increase costs by keeping families in temporary accommodation while properties are unlawfully occupied.
What happens if someone commits tenancy fraud?
If someone commits tenancy fraud:
- They may be depriving someone of a home who is in greater need of housing.
- If they are caught committing fraud, they are likely to lose their tenancy and could lose their right to social housing in the future.
- Depending on the seriousness of the fraud, they could also be fined and/or sent to prison.
What can you do to help?
Apex is working to prevent tenancy fraud and ensure our homes are given to those in genuine housing need. If you suspect that someone is committing tenancy fraud, you can help by letting us know.
Please contact us by:
Telephone: 028 7130 4800
Email: tenancyfraud@apexhousing.org
Reports can be made anonymously
All information received will be held in the strictest confidence, investigated and the necessary action will be taken.
