Reporting tenancy fraud

Help and advice

Monday 24 August 2026

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

Demand for affordable housing is high across Wythenshawe and Greater Manchester. In 2025/26, only 441 homes became available to relet in Wythenshawe, while around 20,000 people were waiting for a home through Manchester Move.

People can wait years for a suitable home and may have to stay in expensive temporary accommodation. At a time when demand is so high, every home matters.

Tenancy fraud happens when someone breaks their rental agreement to keep or get 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 following a tenant’s death when they’re not allowed to
Giving false information to get or keep a social home, such as not declaring that they already own a home
Giving false information or leaving out important details 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.

Worried you’re involved without knowing?

If you’re a sub-tenant, you might not realise the home is being rented to you 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 set out in our Allocations and Tenancy Management policies.

How to report it

If you’re worried about a home in the Manchester City Council area, you can report it online, anonymously and in confidence through Manchester City Council’s website.

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

See our Tenancy Fraud Policy for more information.

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