Reporting tenancy fraud

Tenancy fraud might not always be obvious, but it can have a real impact on our communities. 

It happens when someone breaks their rental agreement to keep or gain a social home unfairly. This can mean a home sits empty, is rented out to someone else, or is kept by someone who no longer lives there — while other families are waiting for a place to call home. 

If something doesn’t feel right where you live, you can help. 

Reporting tenancy fraud is confidential, and you don’t have to give your name. Even a small amount of information can help make sure homes are used fairly and go to people who really need them. 

Tenancy fraud can take different forms, including: 

• Someone renting out their whole home while living somewhere else 

• Someone trying to take over a tenancy when they’re not allowed to 

• Giving false information to get or keep a social home 

• Not being honest when applying to buy a home through Right to Buy 

Tenancy fraud is taken seriously. Where it’s proven, action can include losing the home or, in some cases, criminal charges. 

Key amnesty – return the keys, no questions asked 

There is also a key amnesty in place for anyone who knows they shouldn’t still have the keys to a social home. 

If someone is renting out a social home or no longer living there, they can return the keys without being taken to court, as long as they do this by Friday 27th February 2026. 

This gives people the chance to do the right thing, helps homes be reused quickly, and means other families can move in sooner. 

Please note, the key amnesty does not apply to cases where someone has already been told they are being investigated for suspected tenancy fraud. 

Worried you’re involved without knowing?  

If you’re a sub-tenant, you might not realise the home is being rented unlawfully. You could be at risk of unlawful eviction – but if that happens, we’ll do what we can to help and support you.  

In some cases, we may consider rehousing as mentioned in our Allocations and Tenancy Management policies.  

How to report tenancy fraud to Wythenshawe Community Housing Group

If you’re worried about a home in the Manchester City Council area, you can report it online, anonymously and in confidence on the council’s website: www.manchester.gov.uk/tenancy-fraud 

You can also call our Customer Services team on 0300 111 0000 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm).  

See our Tenancy Fraud policy for more info.