Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has opened a public consultation on proposals to tackle tenancy fraud and misuse in Northern Ireland, pledging tougher powers to protect social housing and ensure it goes to those most in need.

The Department for Communities estimates that fraud and misuse in social housing cost the public around £9.9 million a year, a figure that may be higher due to the hidden nature of offending and under-reporting. Between April 2020 and March 2025, 1,437 social homes were recovered following investigations across Northern Ireland.

Minister Lyons said: "I will not tolerate attempts to cheat the system and will act decisively to address them. Tenancy fraud is not a victimless crime, it is taking housing, and in some cases a lifeline, from those who need it most.

"Every house matters in Northern Ireland and that is why I am focused on ensuring that social homes are protected from fraud and misuse and I will ensure that they are prioritised for those in need.

"This consultation reflects my commitment to putting hard-pressed people and families first. It is an important step towards safeguarding social housing, improving fairness, supporting those affected and protecting the integrity of the housing system."

Tenancy fraud includes attempts to gain or hold on to a social home using misleading, incomplete or false information, or by failing to disclose relevant facts. The consultation seeks views on an overarching strategy and proposes new primary legislation to strengthen how tenancy fraud and misuse are prevented and addressed.

Minister Lyons added: "Social housing provides safe, affordable and secure homes for tens of thousands of hard-working individuals and families and should be protected as a vital social asset.

"This public consultation is the next important step in delivering on that commitment. I urge everyone with an interest to have their say. Help shape a stronger, more effective approach to tackling tenancy fraud and misuse in Northern Ireland."

The consultation is open now for 14 weeks and closes on 6 October 2026. Further information and details on how to respond are available at www.communities-ni.gov.uk/shtf-ni

To support engagement, the Department will host four information sessions, all from 10:30 to 12:30: 11 August – Guildhall, Londonderry; 18 August – online; 8 September – NICVA, Duncairn Gardens, Belfast; and 15 September – online.

The Department for Communities continues to lead collaborative action across the housing sector, including a tenancy fraud forum to promote best practice, a NI Housing Executive specialist team focused on tenancy fraud within its stock, strengthened housing association policies, and sustained stakeholder engagement exemplified by Northern Ireland's first tenancy fraud conference in November 2025.