Peabody recovers more than 100 homes lost to tenancy fraud

Last year, Peabody recovered 101 homes previously lost to tenancy fraud - the highest number in a single year since 2017.

Published: 23/05/2025

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This brings the total number of homes Peabody has reclaimed from tenancy fraudsters to more than 1,000 since 2013, marking a significant milestone in its work to ensure social housing goes to those who need it most.  
  
The growing scale of tenancy fraud remains a major challenge across England, with at least 148,000 social homes affected. In London, it's estimated that one in every 20 social homes is subject to some form of fraud – such as unlawful subletting, non-residency, or false information provided at the point of application.  
  
Wells Chomutare, Managing Director of Peabody’s South London region, said: “With so many people waiting for social housing, tenancy fraud deprives people in genuine need of a home. Recovering more than 100 homes last year - and now passing 1,000 overall - is a significant achievement and a credit to the dedication of our tenancy fraud investigators. We’re making real progress in returning homes to the people who need them.”  
  
In 2024, a record 336,366 households in London were on waiting lists for social housing. This represents a 32 per cent increase since 2014 and is the highest figure in more than a decade. 

Behind the statistics are real stories of fraud being uncovered and homes returned to people in need:  

• In South London, Peabody recovered a ground-floor adapted home after a complex five-year investigation. The tenant had failed to declare ownership of a separate house, which was being privately rented out. Legal proceedings were only avoided when the tenant surrendered the property. Peabody is now seeking to recover around £50,000 in legal costs. The property will shortly be made available to someone in genuine need of accessible accommodation.  
• Also in South London, a tenant was found to be subletting their Peabody home to a family while living out of London. Evidence showed a long history of unlawful subletting, including the illegal eviction of subtenants. When confronted, the tenant initially denied the claims before agreeing to end the tenancy. The property is now ready to be given to a family who genuinely needs it.  
• In North London, a tenant fraudulently obtained a social tenancy while owning a property elsewhere in London. Peabody’s investigation found the tenant had never lived in the home and had been subletting it from the start. The tenancy has now been returned and given to a person in need of affordable housing.  
• Another case in North London involved a tenant subletting a three-bedroom Peabody home while living with their family in another part of the UK. After being found out, the tenant returned the keys. The property has now been let to a family previously living in overcrowded conditions.  

Anyone who suspects that a Peabody home is being used fraudulently is encouraged to report it.

Report tenancy fraud

The 101 homes were recovered in 2024-25.