There are many types of housing tenancy fraud. Each one, from unlawful subletting to wrongly claimed successions, means that those families that are entitled to social housing have to live in temporary accommodation and waiting lists continue to get longer.
There are not many types of tenancy fraud that the team are yet to encounter and one of the latest cases centered around a succession claim.
The succession claim was received via a solicitors who advised us that their client was claiming succession as their partner had died. At the time of making the claim the person was unable to provide a proof of death as the person had died abroad.
They were also unable to provide any proof of their relationship, despite numerous requests. Clearly reasons to investigate!
An initial investigations quickly revealed that the tenant was in fact alive and well and had moved out of the property 20-years ago.
Despite the level of evidence against this succession claim the supposed successor failed to vacate the property and the case had to proceed to court.
As expected the judge was quick to identify the main flaw in this claim, the tenant was alive, and therefore granted Outright Possession.
Again despite the judge’s ruling this person still refused to move out and an eviction warrant was sought and served.
Thankfully they have now vacated the property and the keys have been handed back and will in time be given to a family that needs and deserves them.
Supporting housing associations and social landlords, the skilled team at HTFI ensure that their properties are being used as the tenants ‘only and principal home’.
Regaining control of misused properties, enable genuine would-be tenants to get off waiting lists.
If you suspect anyone of committing housing tenancy fraud or would like us to investigate any allegations on behalf of your organisation, then give us a call on 0207 370 0027 or email us at info@htfi.co.uk.
