Next week we are launching a campaign dedicated to raising awareness of tenancy fraud within social housing and the significant impact it has on our communities.
Tenancy fraud means that those with a genuine need for a home have to wait longer to be housed, it takes away an opportunity for a family or person to have a safe and secure home, and it’s something we take very seriously.
The facts around tenancy fraud are startling:
- The average cost to the taxpayer of a single tenancy fraud is around £42,000
- In 2019/20 it is estimated that 76% of tenancy fraud went undetected
- Across England more than 148,000 social homes are subject to some form of tenancy fraud
- At the same time, there are more than 104,000 homeless families in temporary accommodation – and more than 1.2 million on waiting lists.
Our Tenancy Fraud Action Week will run from 7th to 11th October, and each day across our social media channels – Facebook, Instagram, and X - we'll be focusing on a different type of tenancy fraud, explaining what it is and the signs to look out for.
Throughout the week, we'll also be running a 'key amnesty', giving any of our tenants who may be committing tenancy fraud the chance to come forward and hand their keys in with no repercussions. Our aim is to ensure that all our homes go to those who genuinely need them.
We will take action against anyone we believe to be committing tenancy fraud at one of our homes. If prosecuted, offenders could lose their home, incur a fine of up to £50,000, or even face time in prison.
You can help prevent tenancy fraud by reporting any concerns you have to us. Call us on 01494 476100 or email us confidentially on contact@redkitehousing.org.uk and we will follow up.