Council launches key amnesty to tackle social housing tenancy fraud

A council has unveiled a city-wide crackdown on social housing tenancy fraud, beginning with a key amnesty that allows tenants to return properties without penalty if they are renting them out illegally.

The amnesty runs until the end of the month and marks the first phase of a wider enforcement campaign targeting fraudulent use of council and housing association homes.

Manchester City Council says that once the deadline passes, it will step up investigations and pursue prosecutions where criminal offences are identified.

Tenancy fraud crime

The council’s executive member for housing and development, Coun Gavin White, said: “Every fraudulent tenancy – whether by accident or by deception – is a home that could be made available for families on the housing register or in temporary accommodation.

“Knowingly committing tenancy fraud is not a victimless crime – it impacts Manchester families, communities and costs the Council millions of pounds every year.

“Money that could be better spent on services and support for our residents.”

He added: “I would urge anyone who thinks they might be committing tenancy fraud to come forward during the amnesty without consequence, and we will work with those people to make sure they are renting legally and open up more social rent homes for families that need them.”

Intense housing pressure

Despite having one of the largest social rental sectors in the UK, with more than 70,000 homes, Manchester faces intense pressure for housing.

There are around 20,000 households currently on the city’s housing register, including roughly 11,000 classed as being in priority need.

At the same time, millions of pounds are spent each year on temporary accommodation for residents waiting for permanent social rent property.

The council estimates that between 3% and 6% of its tenancies could be fraudulent, potentially removing thousands of homes from circulation.

Cases uncovered in the past have included tenants living elsewhere while letting council properties at market rates.

It has also found unauthorised subletting of rooms, and homes obtained or exchanged through deception.

Hoping to boost supply

Alongside the fraud campaign, Manchester City Council is pursuing other measures to ease pressure on supply.

The council also wants to deliver at least 10,000 social rent, council and affordable homes by 2032 under the city’s 2022 housing strategy.

After the amnesty ends, a dedicated team of officers will continue to review suspected cases.

The council is warning that the amnesty will not apply where investigations are already underway.