Communities Minister has stepped up efforts to
clamp down on fraudsters and protect social housing by launching
a consultation on proposals to combat tenancy fraud and misuse in
Northern Ireland.
It is estimated that tenancy fraud and misuse in social housing
costs the public purse around £9.9million each year, though the
true figure may be higher due to the covert nature of fraudulent
activity and the fact some cases remain unreported.
Between April 2020 and March 2025, a total of 1,437 social homes
were recovered following tenancy fraud investigations in Northern
Ireland.
Minister Lyons said: I will not tolerate attempts to cheat the
system and will act decisively to address them. Tenancy fraud is
not a victimless crime, it is taking housing, and in some cases a
lifeline, from those who need it most.
Every house matters in Northern Ireland and that is why I am
focused on ensuring that social homes are protected from fraud
and misuse and I will ensure that they are prioritised for those
in need.
This consultation reflects my commitment to putting hard-pressed
people and families first. It is an important step towards
safeguarding social housing, improving fairness, supporting those
affected and protecting the integrity of the housing system.
Tenancy fraud involves attempts to gain or retain social housing
through misleading, incomplete or false information, or by
failing to disclose relevant facts.
The public consultation is seeking views on an overarching
strategic approach, including proposals for new primary
legislation to strengthen the response to tenancy fraud and
misuse.
Minister Lyons added: Social housing provides safe, affordable
and secure homes for tens of thousands of hard-working
individuals and families and should be protected as a vital
social asset.
This public consultation is the next important step in delivering
on that commitment. I urge everyone with an interest to have
their say. Help shape a stronger, more effective approach to
tackling tenancy fraud and misuse in Northern Ireland.
The consultation is open now and will run for 14 weeks until 6
October 2026.
More information and details on how to respond can be found at:
The Department will also host four information sessions during
the course of the consultation, in Belfast, Londonderry, and two
online.
Notes to editors:
- The consultation document entitled, Every House Matters: a
new approach to tackling social housing tenancy fraud and misuse
is available to read at: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/shtf-ni
- Department for Communities continues to lead a collaborative
effort across the housing sector to prevent and combat tenancy
fraud and misuse. This includes heading up a tenancy fraud forum
to promote best practice, the establishment of a NIHE specialist
team to tackle tenancy fraud in its stock, Housing Association
policies, and continued engagement with key stakeholders as
demonstrated through the convening of Northern Ireland's first
ever tenancy fraud conference in November 2025.
- The Department for Communities will host the following
information sessions, all from 10.30am to 12.30pm, during the
course of the consultation period:
11 August Guildhall, Londonderry
18 August online
8 September NICVA, Duncairn Gardens, Belfast
15 September online
Further details can be found at https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/shtf-ni
