Tenancy fraud action returns 73 homes

With 1.33 million households currently on local authority waiting lists in England*, and an estimated shortfall of over 145,000 new affordable homes per year**, the national picture is clear: demand far outstrips supply.

In this context, Bromford’s work to address tenancy fraud is helping ensure every home is used as it should be. In 2024/25, housing association Bromford recovered 73 properties previously subject to tenancy misuse. These homes have since been reallocated to people in genuine need, providing some relief in areas under pressure from high demand.

The homes were recovered through a mix of preventative checks, internal investigations, and enforcement action. During the same period, Bromford also identified and stopped seven fraudulent succession applications and refused 11 Right to Buy applications that raised concerns around eligibility or funding legitimacy. These checks are now embedded in everyday practice, reflecting a proactive stance against fraud.

Legal proceedings have been initiated against two former customers, who, if found guilty, could face unlawful profit orders amounting to £37,000. Both properties involved have already been successfully reclaimed.

These actions have been backed by improved colleague training and a renewed focus on internal and public reporting. Awareness campaigns have also contributed to a rise in referrals, helping us to take earlier action where fraud is suspected.

Recognising that not all customers are ready to engage through formal channels, Bromford launched a key amnesty campaign in early 2025, inviting people to return their keys anonymously if they no longer needed their home. The campaign prompted a tenfold increase in online fraud reports, many of which came from customers reporting others they suspected were committing tenancy fraud. These reports have supported ongoing investigations and helped recover homes that might otherwise have been lost to misuse.

This direct route to report concerns remains open to anyone, whether they are a customer or a member of the public. Reports can be made quickly and confidentially at www.bromford.co.uk/help-and-advice/report-tenancy-fraud/ – helping ensure homes go to those who genuinely need them.

Corinne Wesley, Fraud and Financial Crime Officer at Bromford, said:

"Every home we recover is a home that can go to someone in genuine need. Addressing tenancy fraud is not only about enforcement – it’s also about prevention, awareness and supporting colleagues and customers to do the right thing."

Insights from this year's work will directly inform how Bromford strengthens its fraud prevention processes. These steps will support the continued protection and fair allocation of homes to people on housing waiting lists.

Data sources:

*Local authority waiting list data: Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Local Authority Housing Statistics: April 2023 to March 2024

** Affordable housing need data: National Housing Federation - Our Work: Building New Homes and DLUHC Social Housing Lettings: April 2023 to March 2024