Right To Buy fraudster caught red handed

We carefully examine each Right To Buy application to prevent fraudsters from illegally profiting from the scheme which offers a big discount on the purchase price.

The tenant in question moved into the council property after completing a mutual exchange from a housing association in summer 2022, and almost immediately made a Right To Buy application.

But when we visited the property we discovered the tenant had carried out major works without our consent, which had caused damage to the building.

Further investigations revealed the tenant had not been truthful about the number of people in the household at the time of the mutual exchange, which meant the property had been gained under a false declaration.

We presented our evidence to the tenant who decided to hand back the keys to us rather than face legal action. Before leaving, the tenant removed many of the works which had been unlawfully made to the property, and in doing so left it in a condition unfit for reletting.

Despite avoiding legal proceedings, the tenant will be made to pay for the damage they caused. We will be charging them in full for all the works we now need to carry out before we can re-let this home to a family in need of accommodation.

This is just one example of how our Tenancy Fraud Team work to track down and expose housing cheats. With around 8000 households on the waiting list (some waiting 10 years), it is essential that our homes are occupied by those in genuine need. Please help us track down people who try to cheat the system. As well as losing their right to a council home, fraudsters can also face the threat of a hefty fine or even a prison sentence.

If you think you know someone who is committing tenancy fraud or you are suspicious about a property in your neighbourhood, please contact us in complete confidence. Use our anonymous online referral system or call us on 023 8091 7610.