Tenancy Fraud

At Golding, it’s important to us that our customers can live comfortably in their homes, but we

know that there may be a small number of occasions where our homes are occupied by people who shouldn’t be living there.  Given the shortage of social housing in our area, this isn’t fair.  It’s also a criminal offence.   We ’ re raising awareness of this as we know that tenancy fraud causes social harm, and sometimes can lead to anti-social behaviour.  

There are different types of housing fraud. Here are some of the most common:  

Subletting

This is where a tenant lets out their home without the knowledge or permission of their landlord. They'll continue to pay the rent directly to their landlord but charge the person they're subletting to at a much higher rate. This is a criminal offence and the person doing this could receive a prison sentence and / or a large fine. 

Not living in the property as their principle home

This is including when the tenant moves in with a partner but also keeps the property once they're no longer living there. They may leave it empty or let someone else live there. 

Obtaining housing by deception

This is where a person has been offered a Golding home by giving false information, for example telling the council they're homeless or lying about their situation in their application. 

Wrongly claimed succession  

This is where a tenant dies and someone who is not entitled to, tries to take over or succeed their tenancy. 

Key selling

When a tenant moves out and sells their key to someone else. (Both parties may be seen to be working together to commit fraud and may face prosecution). 

Making a fraudulent Right To Buy application  

We take tenancy fraud very seriously and will take action to regain possession of properties wherever we find evidence of tenancy fraud. We work closely with local partners and external agencies to identify and tackle tenancy fraud and any cases of suspected fraud will always be investigated. We have arrangements in place which allow us to share information with other agencies and we often work together on cases.  We may also carry out investigations to check that the correct people are living in our properties.  

How you can help 

If you suspect fraud in your neighbourhood, please report it. Tenancy Fraud is a criminal offence and something we take very seriously.

Please contact us.    Any information you give us will be treated confidentially.