Tenancy fraudster ordered to pay £90,000

Cordelia Amoah pleaded guilty to unlawfully subletting a Peabody-owned property on Kelvin Road, N5, while living in a privately owned house in Enfield.

Investigators found she had sublet the flat for seven years, receiving over £52,000 in rental income.

The property has now been let to a local person in Islington from the council’s housing register who was in desperate need of accommodation. Ms Amoah was fined £1,400 and ordered to pay £90,000 in compensation to Peabody and the council, along with £20,000 in legal costs.

This case underscores the strength of partnership between local authorities and housing providers, reaffirming Peabody and the council’s shared commitment to combating tenancy fraud and safeguarding public resources.

Since 2022, the council has recovered 214 homes through tenancy fraud investigations. Each recovered property represents a safe and secure home for someone on the housing waiting list or in temporary accommodation.

Cllr John Woolf, Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, said: “This case sends a clear message: tenancy fraud will not be tolerated. We’ve doubled the size of our tenancy fraud team because we take this crime seriously and we will take robust action against fraudsters.

“Every home recovered is a lifeline for a family in need, and the council will continue to work with partners to protect public resources and ensure fairness in our communities.”

Wells Chomutare, Managing Director South London at not-for-profit housing association Peabody, said: "This kind of fraudulent subletting not only breaks the law but also takes a social home away from someone who genuinely needs it.

“At a time when demand for affordable housing is incredibly high, this kind of abuse has a direct and damaging impact on those waiting for a safe, secure place to live. We’ll continue to investigate suspected fraud and take action, making sure homes are returned to those who need them most."