Grant Shapps has launched a new national crackdown on tenancy cheats who unlawfully sublet their council or housing association properties. At least 50,000 social homes in England are being unlawfully occupied - providing the equivalent number of new social homes would cost more than £5 billion, and it is estimated that the number of unlawfully occupied properties ranges from one in 100 in some parts of the country to more than one in 20 social homes in some inner London boroughs. Tenancy cheats live elsewhere, but can earn thousands of pounds a year charging higher rents for their social homes. If caught, these cheats lose their tenancy and can lose their right to a social home in future. Those living in these homes may not know about the fraud, but fewer than 5 per cent of those evicted once their 'landlord's' fraud is detected subsequently apply to the council as homeless - they often find alternative accommodation in the private rented sector. Mr Shapps announced that the 51 councils doing the most to tackle this menace will receive a share of £19 million to bolster their efforts - which can include dedicated housing officers to investigate allegations, and tenancy audits to ensure the lawful tenants are living in the property. Read the full story on the CLG website.
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