Stockport Homes launches two month housing fraud amnesty

Published by 24publishing for Stockport Homes in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government

On 1 August Stockport Homes launched a two month housing fraud amnesty (1 August – 30 September 2012) along with partnering housing associations.

During the amnesty tenants illegally subletting to a third party (including allowing friends or family to use their property) will be given the option of anonymously handing in the keys to the property without fear of prosecution*. 

The amnesty applies to any tenant of Stockport Homes, Contour Homes, Johnnie Johnson Housing, Equity Housing Group and Manchester and District Housing Association. 

Anyone who has been letting out their property can anonymously drop the keys and details of the vacated property into Fred Perry House reception or post the keys and property details into any of Stockport Homes’ offices. 

Illegally sublet properties are depriving families the chance of a home in Stockport and this amnesty has the potential to save social housing providers money and bring properties back into use for people who really need them. 

A Special Investigation Team is to launch a serious investigation and crackdown. The initiative will see a dedicated team of officers focus their attention on illegal subletting in the Borough. It is part of a wider government led national crackdown into housing fraud. 

Anyone who fails to avail of this one off opportunity and continues to sublet will be targeted and pursued through the courts. 

Jonathan Butler, Investigation Officer, Stockport Homes said, “The amnesty, which is the first of its kind in Stockport, is expected to see a number of properties returned to the housing stock. These properties will then be let to people in real housing need.” 

*The notice period required by the tenancy agreement may be applied and any rent arrears identified from properties surrendered during the amnesty will have to be paid but there will be no prosecution action.  

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Note for Editor:

For further information please contact:
Jane Ratcliff
Marketing and Communications Manager
Stockport Homes   
Tel: 0161 474 2863