West Lothian Council Launches Initiative to Combat Tenancy Fraud

West Lothian Council has initiated a month-long programme targeting tenancy fraud, a practice that not only costs the council considerable financial resources but also exacerbates the current housing crisis. This initiative, which coincides with the launch of International Fraud Awareness Week, aims to encourage tenants and potential tenants to return keys for properties they no longer occupy and to cancel misleading housing applications. The programme will run until January 5, 2024.

Earlier this year, the council identified ten new cases of tenancy fraud as part of its annual counter fraud update. Tenancy fraud occurs when individuals either occupy a property without legal entitlement, obtain housing through deception, or leave a property vacant while residing elsewhere. Such fraudulent actions create significant challenges for local authorities and housing organisations, particularly in Scotland, where access to affordable housing is critically needed.

Key Return Initiative Offers Solutions

The Key Return Initiative allows individuals to return keys anonymously at designated housing offices, with only the address of the property required. This approach aims to streamline the process of reclaiming properties from fraudulent tenants. A spokesperson for the council stated, “We take reports of tenancy fraud very seriously. These are investigated by our Housing Officers in the first instance, then passed to the council’s Counter Fraud Team for full investigation.”

Scottish housing law provides local authorities with the authority to investigate tenancy fraud and take legal actions against those found guilty. This may include reclaiming properties obtained through fraudulent means. In one recent investigation, a council tenant was discovered to have been illegally subletting their property while not using it as their principal residence. The situation escalated to the involvement of police due to suspected drug activity linked to the property. The council successfully reclaimed the property, which has since been re-let to a new tenant.

Urgency in Addressing the Housing Crisis

George Paul, the Executive Councillor for Housing Services, emphasised the serious implications of tenancy fraud: “This creates significant issues for local authorities and housing organisations, especially in the midst of a national housing crisis. We would urge relevant parties to take part in our key return initiative. At a time when people are in desperate need of social housing, it is imperative our homes are available for genuine tenants.”

As the council continues its battle against tenancy fraud, the community is encouraged to participate in this initiative, contributing to the availability of housing for those in genuine need. For further information on how to help prevent tenancy fraud, individuals can visit the West Lothian Council website.

This initiative not only seeks to address the immediate issue of fraudulent tenancy but also aims to foster a more equitable housing environment during a period of pressing demand.