24/11/2025
Minister Launches Plan To Tackle Social Housing Tenancy Fraud
Housing Minister Gordon Lyons has outlined his approach to tackling social housing tenancy fraud, speaking at the Department for Communities' Social Housing Tenancy Fraud Conference in Belfast.
The conference, held during International Fraud Awareness Week, brought together social housing landlords and other stakeholders to discuss best practices for combating the issue.
Minister Lyons emphasised that every instance of tenancy fraud matters, particularly given the ongoing high demand for secure, affordable homes in Northern Ireland.
"We are facing unprecedented challenges in delivering social housing as the demand for secure, affordable homes continues to rise," the Minister said. "The true cost of tenancy fraud is felt by people on the waiting list, who, if we do not act now, will wait longer to access a social home."
The Minister stressed that the government must protect the current housing stock, ensuring each home goes to and remains with those who need it most. His strategy focuses on three key areas:
1. Prevention: Raising awareness of the issue to prevent fraud from occurring.
2. Intervention: Ensuring social landlords have clear powers to intervene and stop fraud when it is uncovered.
3. Deterrent: Establishing a deterrent, particularly for the most serious cases of tenancy fraud.
Minister Lyons was clear that tenancy fraud is not a victimless crime: "When individuals commit tenancy fraud, it is not victimless. They are taking a lifeline from a family in need of a home."
To action these priorities, the Minister announced plans to launch a public consultation on proposals aimed at strengthening policy and legislation in this area. He called on all stakeholders present to continue working together to eradicate fraud and ensure the housing system is fair and focused on those who are most in need.
The conference, held during International Fraud Awareness Week, brought together social housing landlords and other stakeholders to discuss best practices for combating the issue.
Minister Lyons emphasised that every instance of tenancy fraud matters, particularly given the ongoing high demand for secure, affordable homes in Northern Ireland.
"We are facing unprecedented challenges in delivering social housing as the demand for secure, affordable homes continues to rise," the Minister said. "The true cost of tenancy fraud is felt by people on the waiting list, who, if we do not act now, will wait longer to access a social home."
1. Prevention: Raising awareness of the issue to prevent fraud from occurring.
2. Intervention: Ensuring social landlords have clear powers to intervene and stop fraud when it is uncovered.
3. Deterrent: Establishing a deterrent, particularly for the most serious cases of tenancy fraud.
Minister Lyons was clear that tenancy fraud is not a victimless crime: "When individuals commit tenancy fraud, it is not victimless. They are taking a lifeline from a family in need of a home."
To action these priorities, the Minister announced plans to launch a public consultation on proposals aimed at strengthening policy and legislation in this area. He called on all stakeholders present to continue working together to eradicate fraud and ensure the housing system is fair and focused on those who are most in need.
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