Bassetlaw: Tenancy cheats will face full force of law

The warning comes after the introduction of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act came into force.

The new law means that anyone found guilty of committing this tenancy fraud will face a fine and a custodial sentence of up to two years.

Previously they faced little more than having to hand back the keys to a property they were not living in.

Bernard Coleman, managing director of A1 Housing said: “We take tenancy fraud extremely seriously and will pursue legal action against those people who are suspected of committing this offence.”

“If tenants and residents know of or suspect anyone who is committing tenancy fraud, please inform your housing officer so that we can take action.”

Alan Chambers, cabinet member for housing at Bassetlaw Council said tenancy fraud reduces the supply of homes for those who really need them.

He said: “Tenancy fraud isn’t a victimless crime; it rips off real people who are in genuine need of a home.”

“People that sublet their A1 Housing property are defrauding those on the waiting list and reducing the supply for those that need them.”