A crackdown on tenancy fraud in the borough is estimated to have saved almost £1.1million in public money, which can instead be spent on services for local people.
Since April 2024, Ealing Council recovered 26 unlawfully occupied council properties and prevented 22 fraudulent tenancy applications.
In one case, a tenant was found to be sub-letting their council home in Hanwell to family members while owning another home. A land registry search revealed the transfer of ownership to a family member and financial records exposed illegal rental income. The property was successfully recovered by the council and re-let to one of the roughly 7,500 local families waiting for a council home.
In another case, a sub-tenant contacted the council after being locked out of the property they were renting in Southall, not realising they were renting the home illegally. Council tax records, school admissions data, and bank statements confirmed the actual tenant lived in Northampton, and received rental income from sub-tenants. This property was also successfully recovered.
What is tenancy fraud?
Tenancy fraud happens when a tenant misuses a council home, such as sub-letting it without permission, or by providing false information when applying for council housing. It is a criminal offence.
According to the Tenancy Fraud Forum, each fraudulently occupied social home could cost the public around £42,000. By finding and reclaiming misused properties, the council is ensuring that homes are available for those who really need them and protecting public funds.
In these cases, the sub-tenants often have no idea that they are caught up in a criminal act. It’s not unusual for sub-tenants to be misled into renting a council home by a tenant, having been deceived about who owns it.
Although the council has made significant steps forward in tackling the issue, officers are continuing to uncover new cases.
For local people in need
Councillor Louise Brett, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for safe and genuinely affordable homes, said: “A safe, affordable home is an essential foundation for a good life. But with the number of local people waiting for a council tenancy continuing to grow, demand for social housing in the borough has never been higher. Tenancy fraud not only deprives families who genuinely need these homes, but it also places unnecessary strain on public resources.
“Our fraud team works diligently to investigate suspicious cases and will always take the strongest action it can. Technology and national records now make it much easier for us to spot and check unusual activity, and it is more likely than ever that we will eventually find you if you are defrauding the local taxpayer. If you’re illegally subletting a council home and pocketing the cash, watch out – the next knock at the door could be our officers.”
Report tenancy fraud
If you suspect tenancy fraud, you can report it on the council’s website. You can also call the fraud hotline for free on 0800 328 6453 or email fraud@ealing.gov.uk
All allegations will be treated seriously and in confidence. You do not have to give your name or address when submitting a report.
