HARINGEY Council has announced it will give council house tenants who illegally sublet their homes the opportunity to hand in their keys in an amnesty.
The temporary reprieve will give residents living in Homes for Haringey properties an opportunity to avoid a possible prison sentence by handing their keys to council officers.
The measure, which follows a similar move by Enfield Council late last year, gives Haringey residents until 20 December to come forward.
“Every home not occupied by the registered tenant costs taxpayers around £18,000 a year and prevents families on the waiting list and in need of a home from moving into a property,” the council said in a statement.
“A change in the law last year means that tenancy fraud is now a criminal offence – with a prison sentence or fine of up to £5,000 for those who flout the rules. “
Haringey has recovered more than 135 council homes that were illegally sub-let, allowing families in temporary accommodation to move in.
The recoveries saved the public purse more than £1million, the council said.
Haringey cabinet member Jason Arthur said: “Subletting your council flat to make a quick buck is not only illegal; it puts real pressure on the housing system and prevents families in genuine need from finding a home.
“Our key amnesty will give those breaking the law a chance to avoid getting a criminal record and make sure that our housing is being used by those who really need it.
“This is a one-off opportunity to avoid prosecution. Once this amnesty finishes, the council will use every power available to prosecute those who feel they don’t need to play by the rules.”
The council’s fraud team said it receives around four tip-offs of illegal sub-lets every week, and works closely with Homes for Haringey and other providers to look into any claims.
To anonymously report any suspicions of tenancy fraud, email fraudcall@haringey.gov.uk or call Fraudwatch on freephone 0500 500 777.
Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrr PERHAPS MERGE THE TWO PICS?
key.jpg Hand back the key: Haringey’s call to council home subletters
Haringey.jpg
