Tenancy fraudster is handed £12k penalty
Published: Wednesday, 2 September 2026
A Nottingham resident has been ordered to pay more than £12,000 after being prosecuted for unlawfully subletting a council home.
An investigation by Nottingham City Council has resulted in a successful prosecution for social housing tenancy fraud after the defendant pleaded guilty to offences under Section 1(1) of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act (2013).
The offences related to the unlawful subletting of, and parting with possession of, a secure tenancy in Aspley during two separate periods between March 2022 and December 2025.
Following the Council’s investigation and an interview under caution, the resident surrendered the property, allowing the Council to recover the home for use by someone in genuine housing need.
The Council also pursued an Unlawful Profit Order to recover the financial benefit gained through the unlawful subletting.
The court imposed a total financial penalty of £12,398.47 which the resident must pay back by instalments over 24 months. The total sum comprised:
- Fine: £192
- Costs: £808.29
- Victim surcharge: £77
- Unlawful Profit Order: £11,321.18
Councillor Jay Hayes, Executive Member for Housing and Planning, said: “Nottingham City Council takes tenancy fraud seriously and I would encourage anyone with concerns about someone committing tenancy fraud to report it.
“Where there is evidence that social housing is being misused, we will investigate and take appropriate action.
“Social housing is a vital public resource and should be available to people who genuinely need it. Unlawfully subletting a council home not only deprives another household of the opportunity to have a secure and affordable home, but can also mean that public money and valuable housing stock are being misused.”
Tenancy fraud can reduce the availability of affordable homes for Nottingham residents and can place additional pressure on housing services and the public purse, including through the need to provide temporary accommodation. People can report suspected tenancy fraud by calling 0115 746 9555 in confidence or emailing socialfraud@nottinghamcity.gov.uk.
