Tenancy Fraud - Five key takeaways

We were very pleased to host a well attended tenancy fraud conference in association with HTFi last week, timing this well with Fraud Awareness Week.

Tenancy fraud has a devastating impact on communities. Research shows that more than 100,000 families are in temporary accommodation due to tenancy fraud and each property that is linked to tenancy fraud costs the taxpayer on average £42,000. 

Here are five key takeaways including comments from a few of our speakers;

1. For Fraud Awareness Week, the #TenancyFraudForum have prepared a flyer for all social landlords to use, whether it be posting on a website, sending to residents, or putting them on notice boards. They have provided a space at the top of the flyer where you can add a logo and contact details. It includes information on the impact of tenancy fraud and why it is not a victimless crime, in order to raise awareness.
2. ‘#Assumenothing #Believenothing #Challengeeverything’. Garym Lambert HTFi
3. ‘Be conscious of the data protection considerations when investigating tenancy fraud. Entering into data sharing agreements with partner organisations can be a great tool to obtaining the evidence you require but remember, data protection legislation gives organisations a tool to share information, it does not compel them!’ Hetal Ruparelia Devonshires.
4. ‘Cyclical communication, education, and awareness programmes will build trust, improve knowledge, and increase the reporting of fraud by colleagues and the public’. Alan Maund Fraud and financial crime specialist, Bromford Housing Group.
5. ‘Partnership working is key to building your case. Following issue of a claim, keep investigating and don’t be afraid to make a Part 18 request. Publicise your wins'. Victoria Smith, Devonshires. 

For further information on tenancy fraud, please contact Victoria Smith.