Major social landlord recovers more than 70 social homes in drive to tackle tenancy misuse

The housing association said the recoveries were achieved through a mix of preventative checks, internal investigations, and enforcement action.

Bromford also identified and stopped seven fraudulent succession applications and refused 11 Right to Buy applications that raised concerns around eligibility or funding legitimacy.

It said its checks were now embedded in everyday practice.

Bromford has also begun legal proceedings against two former customers, who, if found guilty, could face unlawful profit orders amounting to £37,000. The two properties involved have already been reclaimed.

Another method of tackling tenancy misuse has been a ‘key amnesty campaign’, which was launched in early 2025. This invites people to return their keys anonymously if they no longer need their home.

According to Bromford, this campaign prompted a tenfold increase in online fraud reports, many of which came from customers reporting others they suspected were committing tenancy fraud.

Bromford manages 47,000 homes across 39 local authorities in the West of England and the West Midlands.

Corinne Wesley, Fraud and Financial Crime Officer at Bromford, said: "Every home we recover is a home that can go to someone in genuine need. Addressing tenancy fraud is not only about enforcement – it’s also about prevention, awareness and supporting colleagues and customers to do the right thing."

Harry Rodd