Our Tenancy Fraud Investigators work hard to prevent tenancy fraud. Last year, 30 properties were recovered so they could go to households who truly need them.
Penalties for tenancy fraud can include a prison sentence of up to two years, unlimited or fixed fines (such as up to £5,000 or £50,000 depending on the specific legislation), and orders to repay any illegal profits or money lost by the landlord. Additionally, the tenant will lose their home and any right to future social housing, face significant legal costs, and could have court-ordered compensation claims.
Throughout November, anyone committing tenancy fraud can hand their keys back to us without facing a potential fine or prison sentence.
How to return your keys
If you want to return your keys under the key amnesty, please post them to:
Key Amnesty
Southern Housing
Building 800, Guillat Avenue
Kent Science Park
Sittingbourne, ME9 8GU
Please include:
- A completed end of tenancy form
- The full address of your property.
More about ending your tenancy
Taking a home from those in genuine need
Tenancy fraud isn’t a victimless crime. It takes homes away from people in genuine need and increases waiting times for others.
Tenancy fraud is thought to cost the public purse £900M every year. Source: National Fraud Authority.
Tenancy fraud can be committed in different ways, but the most common offences are:
- Subletting a home without permission
- Not living in the property as the main home
- Providing false information to get a tenancy
- Selling or giving away keys and abandoning the home.
If you think someone may be committing tenancy fraud, you can report it confidentially or anonymously. You can:
- Fill in the online form
- Email the Tenancy Fraud Team tenancyfraudteam@southernhousing.org.uk
- Call the Tenancy Fraud Team on 0208 036 0855
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