Customers urged to report suspected tenancy fraud after social home handed back

A County Durham social home owned by believe housing will be allocated to someone in housing need after reports of suspected tenancy fraud led to the property being handed back.  

The one-bed bungalow will be made available through Durham Key Options, where around 10,000 people are currently waiting for a home.  

The case began in February 2026 when believe housing received information suggesting a tenant may have been subletting the property.  

Further concerns were raised in June when a believe housing gas engineer visited the bungalow. A woman living there said she had been paying rent to a man she believed was her landlord for more than a year after responding to an online advert.  

The housing association shared information with Durham County Council’s Fraud Team, which opened an investigation. Before enquiries concluded, the tenant ended the tenancy and returned the keys.  

While the woman living there believed she was renting the home legitimately, social housing can only be allocated through the proper process. When homes are unlawfully sublet, they are unavailable to people and families who may have few other affordable housing options.  

The case highlights why reports of suspected tenancy fraud from customers, neighbours and employees are important, and why customers should speak to their landlord before making decisions that could put their tenancy at risk.  

Simon Bartlett, Director of Neighbourhoods at believe housing, said: “Every social home matters. When tenancy fraud happens, a home may be kept from someone waiting for affordable housing.  

“That’s why we take reports seriously and work with Durham County Council to investigate concerns properly. In this case, the home has been returned and can now be offered through the right process.  

“If something does not seem right with a believe housing home, please tell us. And if you’re a believe housing customer and your circumstances change, contact us early.  

“We can talk through your options and offer support, but people should be clear that tenancy fraud can lead to the loss of a tenancy, financial penalties and, in some cases, criminal prosecution.”  

Tenancy fraud can include subletting a social home, living elsewhere while keeping a tenancy, giving false information to obtain a home, or passing a tenancy on without permission.   

Anyone found committing tenancy fraud could lose their home, lose their right to social housing in the future, be required to repay money obtained through the fraud, face fines and, in the most serious cases, receive a criminal record or a prison sentence.  

Anyone who suspects tenancy fraud relating to a social home in County Durham can report it by texting 07797 870 192, starting the message with ’fraud’, or visiting  

www.durham.gov.uk/article/23935/Report-tenancy-fraud