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Tenancy fraud

Find out more about tenancy fraud, what it is and how to report it. 

Report tenancy fraud

Outside view of property

What is tenancy fraud?

Tenancy fraud is when someone deliberately misuses their home or tenancy, or gives false information to get or keep a home.

This could include:


Tenancy fraud is a criminal offence

If you’re a Riverside customer and commit tenancy fraud, you will be in breach of your tenancy agreement and breaking the law.

Penalties include:

  • Losing your home
  • Up to 2 years in prison 
  • A fine of up to £50,000

Not sure what your tenancy allows?

Find answers about lodgers, subletting, being away from home and other changes that could affect your tenancy.

Can I take in a lodger?

You may be able to, but you need our permission first.

  • Your home must remain your main home.
  • Your lodger will usually share facilities with you.
  • It could affect your benefits or Council Tax.

Contact us before someone moves in.

Can I sublet my home?

You cannot sublet your whole home and live somewhere else.

You may be able to rent out part of your home if:

  • you continue to live there
  • your tenancy allows it
  • you get our permission first
What’s the difference between a lodger and subletting?
  • A lodger lives in your home with you and usually shares facilities.
  • Subletting means renting part of your home to someone else.

Your Riverside home must remain your main home. Check with us before making either arrangement.

What if I need to live somewhere else for a while?

Being away does not automatically mean you’re breaking your tenancy.

If you’ll be away for a while:

  • let us know
  • keep your Riverside home as your main home
  • don’t let someone else take over your home

Contact us if you’re unsure.

Can someone else live in my home?

Possibly. If someone is moving in permanently:

  • tell us about the change
  • check whether you need permission
  • check if it affects your benefits or Council Tax

Contact us before they move in if you’re unsure.

What happens to the tenancy if someone dies?

Someone may have the right to take over the tenancy. This is called succession.

Who can take over depends on:

  • the type of tenancy
  • their relationship to the tenant
  • their individual circumstances

Contact us and we’ll explain what happens next.

What if my circumstances have changed?

Let us know about important changes, including:

  • someone moving in or out
  • being away from home for a long time
  • taking in a lodger
  • wanting to rent out part of your home

We’ll explain if the change affects your tenancy.

I’m worried I might be breaking my tenancy agreement. What should I do?

Talk to us. Something you’re worried about may not be tenancy fraud.

We can:

  • check your tenancy
  • explain what you’re allowed to do
  • tell you if you need permission
  • help you understand what to do next

Protecting homes for those who need them

Every home matters. When a home is being used fraudulently, someone in need could be missing out on a safe and secure place to live.

Tenancy fraud can also take money away from maintaining homes, improving services and supporting our communities.

Family in kitchen

Need to report Tenancy Fraud?

If you think someone in your area may be subletting their home, living elsewhere, or committing any other type of tenancy fraud, please report it in confidence.

You don’t need to be certain or have proof. If something doesn’t seem right, tell us what you know and we’ll look into it.

Report tenancy fraud