Fraudsters Sentenced for Illegally Sub-letting Council Property

Summary: A couple living in Essex were sentenced after illegally sub-letting a Solihull Council property located 130 miles away. The case highlights the ongoing efforts by local authorities to tackle tenancy fraud and protect social housing for those in genuine need.

Illegal Sub-letting of Council Property Uncovered

A couple, Lema Azizi (36) and Ahmed Jamshaidi (34), both from Woolmer Green, Basildon, Essex, were sentenced for fraud by false representation after illegally sub-letting a council property in Solihull, West Midlands. The property, situated on Winchcombe Road in the Lyndon area of Solihull, was sub-let against the terms of Azizi’s tenancy agreement.

Jamshaidi received payments totalling £13,463 from two tenants renting the property, making a profit of £2,959. The couple’s fraudulent activity was detected during routine investigations by Solihull Council’s fraud team, which were triggered by separate Right to Buy and joint tenancy applications.

Details of the Fraud and Investigation

Investigators found that Jamshaidi was connected to multiple addresses, including a property in Woolmer Green which he owned and for which he paid council tax. Meanwhile, Azizi’s bank statements confirmed she had been residing at the Basildon address since July 2022, contradicting claims made in their tenancy application.

Between April 2021 and October 2023, while Azizi was registered as the tenant of the Solihull property, Jamshaidi’s bank records showed 33 payments from two individuals living at the Winchcombe Road address. Additionally, the couple made false statements in their joint tenancy application, asserting that Jamshaidi had lived at the property for over two years.

Sentencing and Consequences

Both defendants pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing. Azizi received a 12-month community order, including a £40 fine, up to 15 days of rehabilitation activities, a £114 victim surcharge, and £400 in costs. Jamshaidi was also sentenced to a 12-month community order but with 100 hours of unpaid work, the same rehabilitation period, a £114 victim surcharge, £650 in costs, and was ordered to repay the £2,959 profit to the council.

Following the case, Solihull Community Housing has reclaimed the property and re-let it to a household on the Housing Register, ensuring the home is now occupied by someone in genuine need.

Council’s Commitment to Tackling Tenancy Fraud

Cabinet member for housing, Councillor Mark Parker, emphasised that this case is part of a wider problem. He stated: “We have recovered 10 properties from fraudulent activities since April, and our officers will continue to protect the public purse and ensure that these homes go to people who need them.”

This case serves as a reminder to landlords and tenants alike of the importance of adhering to tenancy agreements and the legal consequences of fraudulent sub-letting. For landlords, it highlights the need for vigilance and regular checks to prevent unauthorised sub-letting, which can lead to tenancy breaches and potential legal action.

Implications for Landlords and Agents

Illegal sub-letting not only undermines the social housing system but can also expose landlords to risks such as unvetted tenants, property damage, and loss of rental income. Landlords should ensure tenancy agreements clearly prohibit unauthorised sub-letting and consider periodic inspections or tenant verification to safeguard their properties.

Agents managing council or social housing properties should also be aware of the signs of tenancy fraud and collaborate with local authorities to report suspicious activity. This cooperation helps maintain the integrity of the housing system and ensures that properties serve their intended purpose.

Conclusion

The sentencing of Azizi and Jamshaidi underscores the ongoing battle against tenancy fraud in the UK’s social housing sector. Local authorities remain vigilant in identifying and prosecuting such offences to protect public resources and support those genuinely in need of affordable housing.

Image credit: Generic photo of Winchcombe Road, Google Streetview

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A couple from Essex were sentenced for illegally sub-letting a Solihull Council property, highlighting the council’s efforts to combat tenancy fraud and protect social housing for those in need.

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Fraudsters Sentenced for Illegally Sub-letting Solihull Council Property