Tenancy anti-fraud pilot exposes the cheats

Newham Homes’ key fob pilot scheme to tackle unlawful sub-letting is proving a success with two illegal tenants already caught out and others being investigated.

The pilot, believed to be the first of its kind, was launched in Queensland House, North Woolwich on 30 November. It checked who lived in the block by asking all residents to attend drop-in sessions to exchange their key fobs for the main door entry for a new one.

New fobs were only re-issued to those who supplied photo identification and could prove they lived at the address. The old fobs for Queensland House were deactivated on 5 December and anyone who had not proved their identity and confirmed they lived there, was unable to enter the building.

The pilot threw up two properties that were being illegally sub-let and nine tenants who were claiming council tax single person discount when there were two adults in the property. Three tenants who failed to contact us are being followed up. There were also two cases where vulnerable tenants were able to receive help and support.

Tenancy audit manager, Ann Marie Bramwell says: “The exercise was well worthwhile. We found two properties that were being illegally sub-let and will be taking court action to get them back. We also discovered two tenants who badly needed help and were able to persuade one to go into hospital for treatment, and the other was given support and provided with advice on welfare benefits.”

Michael Irvine, Chief Executive of Newham Homes says: “Illegal sub-letting is a huge problem for social landlords, who are struggling to deal with the issue. According to government figures 50,000 social homes in England are unlawfully sub-let. Not only are unscrupulous tenants making money out of sub-letting their flats, they are depriving those who are housed in temporary accommodation or stuck on the housing waiting list of a decent home. This innovative pilot scheme is showing results and we intend to build on its success by rolling it out across the borough.”

The pilot has attracted attention from other local authorities who are hoping to introduce similar schemes in their boroughs.

The next blocks to be targeted in January, February and March 2010 will be Dunedin House and Westland House in North Woolwich and low rise blocks in the area, including Claremont Close and Woodman Parade.

If you would like to report a property that is illegally sub-let you can ring our tenancy audit team on the Newham Homes freephone number: 0800 952 9000 and choose option 5 for the Rent Team.