Are you committing tenancy fraud? It’s not too late to put things right...
If you are currently in a situation that could be considered tenancy fraud, we want to help you resolve it before it becomes a legal matter.
We encourage anyone in this position to contact us urgently for advice. If you come forward voluntarily, we will discuss your options with you. If you are committing tenancy fraud, you can terminate your tenancy with no further questions asked.
We will not pursue criminal or civil action against individuals who come forward voluntarily to terminate their lease in a home they are not entitled to.
We want to ensure our homes are going to the people who really need them. Most of our customers do the right thing, but tenancy fraud keeps families on the waiting list for longer.
Tenancy fraud is a criminal offence. Conviction can lead to a prison sentence of up to two years and an unlimited fine.
Common Types of Tenancy Fraud
- Subletting: Renting out the whole of your MSV home to someone else. If you are caught, you may be ordered to pay back the money you made unlawfully.
- Non-Occupation: Not using your MSV home as your "only or principal home." If you are living elsewhere and leaving the property empty, you are breaking the law.
- Application Fraud: Providing false information on a housing application to gain a home or an application to buy a home at a discount through the Right to Buy or Right to Aquire schemes
- Succession Fraud: Giving false information to take over a tenancy after a resident has passed away (e.g., claiming to have lived there longer than you have).
Conviction of any of these types of tenancy fraud can lead to a prison sentence of up to two years and an unlimited fine.
We are working with partners to tackle tenancy fraud
We work closely with specialist fraud teams within Local Authorities. It is a common trend that where tenancy fraud is found, Council Tax and Benefit fraud are often happening too. These agencies share data to ensure that these individuals are investigated.
How to Report Suspected Tenancy Fraud
If you suspect someone is committing tenancy fraud, please report it.
Look out for:
- Unusual activity in your community
- People moving in and out regularly
- Empty or abandoned property
All reports are handled in the strictest confidence. You can report suspected tenancy fraud to:
- Your Neighbourhood Officer, Later Living Officer or Supported Housing Officer (find out who they are here)
- Email us at enquiry@msvhousing.co.uk
- Or call 0161 226 4211
By reporting fraud, you are helping to ensure that homes go to the individuals and families who need them most.
