HTFi pursue social housing fraudster to Australia 

Tenant Flees After Social Housing Subletting Expose

 

Social housing fraud continues to deprive genuine families of much-needed accommodation, with waiting lists growing longer as properties are misused. One recent case saw a tenant relocate to Australia whilst illegally subletting his social housing property for nearly three years.

The case centred on a tenant who had consistently avoided contact with Housing Officers, making various excuses that raised suspicions he may no longer be resident at the property. The Housing Association referred the case to the team here at HTFI for investigation who commenced with specialist  intelligence gathering that confirmed the tenant was no longer at the address and that a couple were now in occupation.

A visit was carried out to the property and the subtenants confirmed their occupation of the flat, providing a statement along with their tenancy agreement, although they could not confirm where their landlord was now residing. Further investigations traced the tenant to a town on the Tasmanian Coast of Australia. HTFI identified his address, car registration and that he was also running a business in the locality.

When confronted about the subletting, despite having all this information including bank statements showing money being paid into his account by the couple, clearly referenced ‘RENT’ , he denied everything and even returned to the UK to attempt to continue with the deception. With the HTFi team on the case, the matter proceeded to court where the Housing Association was successful in obtaining possession. The judge granted outright possession of the property forthwith. In addition to regaining control of the property, the Housing Association was awarded an Unlawful Profit Order of over £15.3K for the profit the tenant had gained from subletting social housing, as well as costs and arrears.

The court order included:

• Possession on mandatory grounds, forthwith
• Charge for use and occupation from a specified date until possession given up at £17.91 per day
• Judgement for arrears in the sum of £125.39
• An Unlawful Profit Order of £15.3K pursuant to section 5 of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013
• Costs of over £1400
• Transfer to the King’s Bench Division of the High Court for enforcement purposes

Whilst the former tenant now lives in Australia, UK money judgements can be enforced in Australia and this is what is now being pursued through the High Court by the Housing Association.

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.

Supporting housing associations and social landlords, the skilled team at HTFI ensure that their properties are being used as homes – not side hustles. 

Regaining control of misused properties enables genuine would-be tenants to get off waiting lists.

If you would like our specialist team to investigate fraud on behalf of your organisation, then give us a call on 0207 370 0027 or email us at info@htfi.co.uk.