Tenancy fraud

There is high demand for affordable housing, and we want to make sure our homes are there for people who need them most.   
Tenancy fraud happens when someone breaks the conditions of their tenancy or provides false information to get or keep a home. This takes valuable housing away from people on waiting lists and impacts communities. At Gateway, we take tenancy fraud seriously and will investigate all reports.   

How do I report tenancy fraud?

If you think tenancy fraud may be taking place, please let us know. 
You can report concerns by: 

You do not need to investigate the matter yourself. Any information you provide will help us assess the concern and decide whether further investigation is needed. 

Tenancy fraud FAQs

 

Types of tenancy fraud

Examples of tenancy fraud include: 

  • Renting out all or part of a home without permission
  • Living somewhere else while someone else lives in the property
  • Giving false information to get a tenancy
  • Not telling us about changes that affect a tenancy application
  • Giving or selling keys to another person
  • Wrongly claiming succession rights
  • Adding someone to a tenancy and then moving out

Tenancy fraud is a breach of tenancy conditions and may result in legal action and recovery of the property.    

What happens when you report tenancy fraud?

When we receive a report of potential tenancy fraud, we may: 

  • Look at the information provided 
  • Carry out tenancy checks and investigations 
  • Request evidence where appropriate 
  • Work with local authorities and other relevant agencies 
  • Take legal action where fraud is identified 
  • Recover properties where tenancy conditions have been breached 

All reports are considered carefully and investigated where appropriate.  

Working with partner organisations 

We might work with organisations such as: 

  • Local authorities 
  • The police 
  • The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) 
  • Other housing providers and relevant agencies 

This helps us protect social housing and ensure homes are occupied by those entitled to live in them. 

Our commitment  

We're committed to making sure our homes are available for people who genuinely need them. 

We will investigate reports of tenancy fraud fairly, sensitively and appropriately. By reporting suspected tenancy fraud, you can help ensure that valuable homes remain available to residents and families in need.  

Our Tenancy Fraud Policy  

You can read our full Tenancy Fraud Policy, here.