The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has produced new guidance on behalf of Government to help landlords tackle the unlawful subletting and occupancy of social housing. It is estimated that there are currently 50,000 properties which are fraudulently occupied, resulting in thousands of families being excluded from accessing social housing.

The publication of the guidance – called Tackling unlawful subletting and occupancy: Good practice guidance for social landlords - coincides with a co-ordinated Government anti-fraud drive. The guidance emphasises the crucial role landlords play in tackling unlawful subletting and occupancy, and will enable housing professionals to demonstrate best use of existing housing to Government and their local communities.

Sarah Webb, CIH Chief Executive said: "Unlawful subletting and occupation of scarce affordable housing is worse than theft.　 In addition to the financial loss to the public, it also means some families are missing out on a decent, affordable home and all that this can bring.

"CIH believes that making the best use of existing housing is essential and I am delighted that we have been asked to write this guidance which provides landlords and local authorities with good practice and legal advice to support them to clamp down on these unlawful practices."

*ENDS*

News release issued on behalf of the CIH by Jill Dwyer, CIH Press Office, Octavia House, Westwood Way, Coventry CV4 8JP. Telephone: 02476 851780 or 07786 716961. Email: press@cih.org.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is the professional body for people involved in housing and communities. We are a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation. We have a diverse and growing membership of over 22,000 – both in the public and private sectors – living and working in over 20 countries on five continents across the world. Our members work for local authorities, housing associations, Arms Length Management Organisations, Government bodies, educational establishments and the private sector. Many tenants and residents are also members. We exist to maximise the contribution that housing professionals make to the wellbeing of communities. Further information is available at: www.cih.org 

2. More details about the guidance can be found at CIH’s Practice Alert on Subletting: http://housing.cih.co.uk/ezines/practice-alerts/UnlawfulSubletting.htm

3. Government news release: John Healey Calls Time on Tenancy Cheats