Social housing exists to support those who need it most and sadly fraud takes homes away from families in genuine need.
Here's how to spot and report tenancy fraud to help keep social housing fair and safe for everyone.
Signs of unlawful subletting:
- constant flow of new or unknown people coming and going
- key safes or coded lockboxes outside the property
- rooms or whole properties advertised online
Signs a property is not being lived in:
- bins never put out, or overflowing with post addressed to unknown individuals
- curtains always closed or permanently open
- unkempt garden or no activity for long periods
Suspicious changes in occupancy:
- long‑standing neighbour disappears and new people move in without explanation
- different people claiming to be the tenant
What not to do:
- don't confront residents yourself
- don't attempt to gather evidence or enter the property
Why it matters
Tenancy fraud costs the public purse up to £900 million every year. In Arun we have saved over £3 million in detecting fraud in 2025 to date. Every fraudulent tenancy means one less home for someone in genuine need.
How you can report concerns
You do not need proof - just honest concerns.
Contact our Tenancy Fraud Team at Arun District Council by emailing housing.fraud@arun.gov.uk or call 01903 737732
All reports are confidential.
Together, we can protect our community - if something doesn't feel right, speak up. Your report could help return a home to someone who truly needs it.
Thank you for helping keep our community fair, safe and supported.
Originally published by Arun District Council ↗