Croydon Council has intensified its action against tenancy fraud as pressure on social housing reaches critical levels across the borough.
Over the past year, the council completed 141 tenancy investigations and recovered 36 council homes, returning them to families who have spent years waiting for safe and secure accommodation. The recoveries are estimated to have saved the borough £2.8 million.
The action comes due to a severe housing shortage. More than 8,600 households are currently on Croydon’s waiting list, while only around 800 social homes become available each year. In that context, every recovered property represents a significant lifeline.
Tenancy fraud can take many forms, including unlawful subletting, false applications, illegal succession claims and tenants living elsewhere while retaining a council home. In some cases, properties are left empty for extended periods. While not all cases are criminal, they still prevent homes from being used by those who need them most.
All allegations are investigated by the Counter Fraud Shared Service, a joint operation between Croydon and Lambeth councils. By pooling resources and expertise, the service is able to identify misuse more effectively and ensure council housing is allocated fairly.
The financial impact is substantial. Government figures value each recovered tenancy in London at £78,300. Croydon’s 36 recoveries last year alone equate to savings of approximately £2.8 million.
Several recent cases highlight the scale of the issue. In one investigation, officers discovered a tenant had moved out two years earlier, leaving her adult daughter in the property. Unannounced visits and background checks confirmed the tenant was living at a privately owned address. The council home has since been re-let to a family on the waiting list.
In another case, a property believed by neighbours to be abandoned was reclaimed after checks showed the tenant was living elsewhere. More strikingly, one long-term tenant was found to have purchased a £650,000 home while still holding onto a council flat. After confirming the move, the council recovered the property.
Resident tip-offs continue to play a vital role. Six resident-reported cases are currently under investigation, with four already progressed to housing and legal teams. Some cases have now reached the courts as the council moves to recover properties for re-letting.
Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, said:
“Like other councils, Croydon has a shortage of council homes and thousands of households waiting for a safe, secure place to live. We cannot allow anyone to take advantage of the system or keep a home they are not entitled to.
“As in many areas of council business, we are taking a zero-tolerance approach to housing fraud. Every home that is fraudulently held is one taken away from someone who genuinely needs support. If you try to cheat the system, we will take action.”
