More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Life-changing accommodation is being offered to new tenants thanks to the success of an anti-fraud campaign being carried out across Kent.
It was announced earlier this year that tenants across the county who are illegally cheating others out of a home were being given a chance to change their ways and avoid punishment.
Housing associations and local councils have this month been offering a 'key amnesty' to those who are subletting their home without permission or charging other people to live in the property while they stay elsewhere.
West Kent’s Head of Tenancy Services Genette Pinwill, said: “The key amnesty was primarily designed to raise awareness of the costs of tenancy fraud and the risk of getting caught.
“The fact that we already know of a number of cases where tenants have been prompted to give back their keys and walk away knowing that we won’t take any further action is a real bonus.”
Housing association Optivo has already recovered one home that was being rented fraudulently and is following up two more possible cases where the tenant is no longer living in the house.
Elsewhere, Southern Housing Group has recovered one set of keys from a tenant who had moved to Hastings with her partner and left her daughter living in the premises, while Clarion Housing Group has taken back a home that was being sublet by a tenant who had moved to Surrey.
Other social landlords amongst the 14 taking part are also confident that the campaign will make a difference to the problem of fraud, which prevents those with a genuine need from renting the home they deserve.
Moving out completely and charging another family rent on the property that is registered to them is also illegal and such fraud can result in a jail term of up to two years and fines of up to £50,000.
During June’s month-long amnesty, though, tenants who hand in their keys will not face prosecution or legal action of any kind.
However, Adam Simmonds, chairman of the Kent Tenancy Fraud Forum, warned: “If the awareness raised by this campaign prompts someone to tell us they think a neighbour is defrauding the housing association, we will investigate in the normal way.
"However it is done, tenancy fraud is a very serious issue" - Adam Simmonds
“If that investigation finds someone is committing tenancy fraud, we won’t hesitate to take action, and that will usually involve prosecution.
"The June amnesty only applies to tenants who come to us.
“However it is done, tenancy fraud is a very serious issue. It restricts the amount of housing available for those with a genuine need and it is a drain on the public purse because the authorities have to provide people still on the list with temporary accommodation.
“This is a chance to avoid the consequences of being caught, which can be severe, by coming forward voluntarily during the amnesty and avoiding further action.”
Tenants are urged to get in touch with their housing association or local council landlord or call in to hand in their keys with no questions asked.
They will need to include the address of the property so that the home can be re-allocated.
Anyone who believes they might be living in a home that is being sub-let illegally is also urged to get in contact with the local housing authority’s housing options team, when they will be given as much advice and support as possible.
