The ruling marks the national housing provider’s ongoing efforts to take firm but fair action to ensure homes are allocated appropriately.

It follows an investigation led by Riverside’s Tenancy Fraud Officers that revealed how the tenant had been illegally subletting several rooms via online booking websites since April 2022.

Riverside’s case against the resident was proven on every point.

The investigation, which began in 2023, was supported by Halton Borough Council who provided key evidence that one of the rooms had been sublet to a vulnerable person.

The defendant was ordered to pay over £26,000 via an unlawful profit order under the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013, along with almost £5,000 in legal fees.

With social housing waiting lists at record highs, Riverside recognises their responsibility to ensure that the people living in their properties are legally entitled to be there.

Tenancy fraud is proactively investigated by the housing provider, who have dealt with 110 cases in the past year, leading to the recovery of 14 properties.

Due to the complex nature of cases, some tenancy fraud cases can take months and even years to investigate. Over the last three years, their Community Safety Team have investigated 402 cases. Where cases of tenancy fraud are confirmed, perpetrators are usually asked to surrender their property voluntarily.

Peter Yoh, Head of Housing Services at Riverside, said:

“We recognise the impact tenancy fraud can have on our communities and their access to housing.

“We take tenancy fraud extremely seriously and are committed to continuing to take firm but fair action to ensure homes are allocated appropriately.

“The results of this court case are not only a success for Riverside, but for our wider community and their access to housing.

“The reclaimed property will now be offered to a household on the waiting list.

“We will continue to work alongside our local authority partners and take appropriate action to prevent tenancy fraud.”

Riverside is also calling on the Government to grant housing associations greater enforcement powers under the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2023. This would allow access to more information, including from verified sources, enabling housing associations to act sooner in tackling suspected tenancy fraud cases.

Riverside encourages anyone who suspects tenancy fraud to report it via their website, email or phone 0345 111 0000. Individuals can also report concerns anonymously or through their local authority.