On JSA, claiming rent benefits- card from council want to do tenancy check?

thisjobhurts

got home to find a card from local council, saying they want to do a 'tenancy check' -

i've been living here for many years now, never heard of this before - would it just relate to my claim (no decison received since i applied for that), or are they just snooping / sizing my flat up for someone else..?

Penny-Pincher!!

They're just checking all info is correct on the new claim and will ask for ID and possible bank statements.

Greendayfan

It's quite normal for the council or housing association to carry out inspections or tenancy checks. It may relate to your claim or it could just be coincidence. If you've nothing to hide, don't worry about it. They cannot give your flat to anyone else just like that.

Let us know how you get on. ( if you want to of course)!

thisjobhurts

is this new? previously just had to take bits in..

BigAunty

They aren't sizing up your flat for anyone else - you have a secure tenancy.

In recent years, many councils and social housing landlords have wised up to the fact that many tenants illegally sublet their properties, moving out and renting it to friends, relatives, strangers, often for profit. It is believed that there are possibly hundreds of thousands of properties that have changed hands without their permission or knowledge.

The tenancy agreement explicitly forbids this practice and the landlord want to identify who is abusing the stock so they can bring it back into use for someone in need on their waiting list rather than letting the original tenant pimp off their properties.

Currently it is a civil matter - breach of contract - but there is talk about making it a criminal matter.

Social housing landlords now have tenant ID checks as a routine policy and some employ staff specifically to cut down on this type of subletting fraud.

kj*daisy

They are just checking that the person they think is living there, is actually living there. Don't worry.

thisjobhurts

thanks to all for putting my mind at rest..

may do a quick tidy up though, just in case!