Housing cheats beware!

But we’re starting 2024 working harder than ever to track down fraudsters and recover much-needed council homes.

With around 8,000 applications for housing currently on our register, the agonising wait for some families can be as much 10 years. So, the fact that properties are being occupied illegally and denying those in genuine housing need is absolutely galling. If you, or someone you know, is currently waiting for a council home the delay could be a consequence of tenancy fraud.

As well as unfairly preventing those in need to a home, housing fraud costs the taxpayer millions of pounds every year. Did you know that each case costs us an average of £42,000? And this money comes directly from the public purse. In the current cost of living crisis where every penny counts, this is money that could be put to much better use funding public services.

But we are bringing the fight straight to the doors of the housing cheats. Our Tenancy Fraud Team has an excellent track record of finding and catching those who try to cheat the system. The team work to recover Southampton City Council homes and ensure fraudsters face the full force of the law.

They investigate tenants who sublet their council property, those who make fraudulent Right to Buy claims, try to jump the queue by lying on their housing application, or live in a council home without proper permission.

Housing fraudsters not only lose their council home but face legal action which can result in a hefty fine or even a prison sentence and the prospect of being barred from applying for social housing in the future. Plus, those who unlawfully sublet their council home can be made to pay us back all profit made in illegal rent.

Please help us to uncover housing cheats. If you think you know someone who is committing tenancy fraud or you are suspicious about a property in your neighbourhood please contact us in complete confidence. Use our anonymous online referral system or call us on 023 8091 7610.