International Fraud Awareness Week 2025: Spotlight on Tenancy Fraud

“Every stolen tenancy is a stolen opportunity for a family in need.”

International Fraud Awareness Week (IFAW) 2025 will take place between 16th - 22nd November 2025, during which time the Tenancy Fraud Forum (TFF) is calling on housing professionals, local authorities and the public to unite in tackling one of the most damaging and under-reported forms of fraud in the UK; tenancy fraud.

With over 1.3 million households on social housing waiting lists and more than 120,000 families living in temporary accommodation, tenancy fraud is not just a financial issue, it’s a human one. Each fraudulent tenancy denies a home to someone in genuine need.

Tenancy fraud is the second-largest cause of local government fraud losses, costing councils and taxpayers an estimated £1 billion annually in London alone. Despite this, detection rates have declined by 40% over the past decade, largely due to funding cuts and reduced investigative capacity.

“Tenancy fraud doesn’t just steal homes, it steals from entire communities,” said a TFF spokesperson. “It undermines trust, drains resources and deepens the housing crisis.”

Throughout the next week, the TFF will share real-life case studies, expert podcasts and practical guidance to raise awareness and strengthen defences. Highlights include:

• A £40,000 unlawful profit order following a sub-letting investigation in London.

• A £2.9 million saving and 74 homes recovered through collaborative action in Wolverhampton.

• A case of Right to Buy fraud involving attempted discounts of over £78,000.

The TFF is also promoting five key actions to combat tenancy fraud:

1. Verify tenant information thoroughly

2. Educate staff and tenants

3. Encourage anonymous reporting

4. Utilise data tools and technology

5. Engage with community programmes

   
   

The forum is here to support all social landlords in combatting tenancy fraud and offers a range of free resources including training and downloadable materials to support housing providers and investigators. If you'd like to know more about how the TFF can support your organisation or you'd like to become a member - if you aren't already - then please do contact us at admin@tenancyfraudforum.org.uk

Please do follow us on LinkedIn during next week to find out more information about what the TFF will be doing in support of IFAW. More information will also be available on our website - https://www.tenancyfraudforum.org.uk - where you will be able to access free resources and podcasts.