London borough hails success of ‘key amnesty’ in tackling illegal subletting

The London Borough of Newham has reported that a ‘key amnesty’ offered as part of a purge on illegal subletting has led to the recovery of 26 homes.

The council said the initiative had also saved it more than £1.4m. The status of a further six homes is under investigation.

The amnesty ran from October 2013 until January 2014, offering tenants who had either illegally sublet their home, or left it vacant, the chance to hand the property back rather than face prosecution.

Almost 50 people contacted the council, including those who wished to report suspected illegal subletting.

The Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 made tenancy fraud a criminal offence and punishable by up to two years in prison and a £5,000 fine.

Andrew Baikie, executive member for housing and customer service at Newham, said: “Tenancy fraud costs the council thousands of pounds and robs residents who may have been on the housing register for years of a home. Bringing these properties back into our housing stock frees them up for someone on the council’s waiting list.”