Supporting International Fraud Awareness Week - helping to tackle tenancy fraud

Tenancy fraud happens when someone dishonestly obtains or misuses a tenancy for personal gain. Common examples include:

• Unlawful subletting – renting out their property without permission whilst they move in with a partner, often for profit.
• False applications – providing misleading information to secure a property.
• Non-occupation – leaving a property empty while keeping the tenancy.
• Succession fraud – attempting to secure a property after the legal tenant has passed away without being entitled to do so.

With over 1.3 million people on social housing waiting lists – including over 25,000 within the areas we operate - every fraudulent tenancy means people with a genuine need are deprived of a home.

We have around 5,800 homes and more than 13,000 customers in West Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire, and we're committed to tackling tenancy fraud head-on.

Our Neighbourhood Housing Team are members of the Tenancy Fraud Forum and work closely with local authorities and community partners to:

• Investigate reports of suspected fraud.
• Recover properties for those in genuine need.
• Educate tenants and staff on fraud prevention.

In the past year, we've prevented a fraudulent succession application, a Right to Buy purchase and are currently investigating numerous more cases including subletting and abandoned properties.

Wendy Hardy, our Head of Housing, says: “Signs of tenancy fraud may include properties appearing abandoned, frequent changes in occupants, or tenants only visiting on occasion. We encourage Cottsway customers and members of the community to report any suspicions – this can be done anonymously if preferred.”

If you're suspicious of something, please Report tenancy fraud