Four Houses 'Recovered' By Council

Amnesty on illegal sub-letting now over

Four council houses that had been illegally rented out in Ealing are back in the hands of the authority.

It follows a key amnesty run by Ealing Council in which tenants could hand in their keys and avoid prosecution.

The amnesty, which ended on 31 March 2014, led to the recovery of four properties which the council say represents a saving of £72,000. The homes will now be reallocated to local families in need.

The council is also investigating reports received during the amnesty about over 20 properties, where illegal sub-letting is thought to be taking place, and is now urging local residents to continue to notify the council in strict confidence, by calling 0800 328 6453 or sending an email to fraudreferrals@ealing.gov.uk.

Councillor Hitesh Tailor, cabinet member for housing, employment and skills, said:

“Time has run out for people illegally sub-letting their home, and there is no place to hide. Those who are now found to be illegally sub-letting their council properties, face up to two years in prison, fines of up to £50,000 and the seizure of assets up to the value of any profit that has been made.

“With more than 10,000 households on our housing waiting list in genuine need of an affordable home, illegally sub-letting a council property is not only selfish because it deprives those in need of a home, it’s also criminal. If you are illegally sub-letting your council home, you cannot avoid these serious consequences.”

New laws introduced in October 2013 have made sub-letting a council property a criminal act. Tenants that are now found to be renting their council homes out could face up to two years in prison and a fine of up to £50,000. Under the Proceeds of Crime Act they may also have to pay back profits made from sub-letting the property.

April 7th 2014