WHAT IS TENANCY FRAUD ?
The National Fraud Authority have estimated the cost of tenancy fraud
to be £900 million. Aside from the clear financial risks to social landlords, tenancy fraud creates negative social impact and stops communities from thriving.
The Co-op will be adopting a Tenancy Fraud Policy. The Co-op has not been very attentive on members who attempt to defraud Arneway, and we have had plenty of recent cases with 2-people living in a 1-bedroom property illegally, other members constructing buildings in the gardens without permission and we do not know for sure that our members have another home elsewhere or renting another property in another part of London. The Co-op must protect all members from those few who feel that they can break the Law and avoid the consequences.
Arneway have joined the Tenancy Fraud Forum, and we will be examining
a number of areas and tenancies to establish that members are not breaking the law and do not have tenancies or renting property elsewhere!!
The Co-op has been very successful in providing accommodation for those who need it and have been homeless; members who want to flout the law and take advantage of the Co-op will have to be aware as the Board will be taking a very hard line on those members who want to break the law and take advantage of their membership. We will be examining all tenancies to ensure that all tenancies are valid and legitimate.
Tenancy Fraud is a criminal offence which attracts a custodial sentence and/or a fine under the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 and the Fraud Act 2006.
Arneway Housing Co-operative Newsletter May 2024
THE PERILOUS PRACTICE OF HOARDING IN 1-BEDROOM PROPERTIES: A Hazard to Tenants and Neighbours
In the realm of property management and community living, few issues are as concerning and potentially hazardous as hoarding. Defined as the excessive collection of items and an inability to discard them, hoarding poses significant risks to both tenants and neighbours, particularly in the context of 1-bedroom properties with close proximity to one another. This practice not only endangers the individual hoarder but also threatens the safety, health, and well-being of those nearby.
HERE’S WHY HOARDING SHOULD BE STRONGLY DISCOURAGED:
Fire Hazard: One of the most immediate dangers associated
with hoarding is the increased risk of fire. In cramped 1-bedroom properties, clutter can easily obstruct pathways and access points, making it challenging for tenants to escape in the event of a fire. Additionally, the accumulation of combustible materials such as papers, clothing, and other flammable items significantly heightens the likelihood of ignition. In densely packed residential areas, a single fire can quickly spread to neighbouring units, placing multiple lives at risk.
Health Risks: Hoarding often leads to unsanitary living conditions, creating a breeding ground for pests, mould, and bacteria. In 1-bedroom properties where space is limited, the buildup of clutter can impede proper ventilation and sanitation practices, exacerbating health concerns. Dust and debris accumulated over time can trigger respiratory issues, while mould growth poses a serious threat to individuals with allergies or compromised immune systems. Moreover, the presence of pests attracted to food waste or stagnant water further amplifies the risk of disease transmission within close-knit communities.
Arneway Housing Co-operative Newsletter May 2024
Structural Integrity: The excessive weight of hoarded items can place undue stress on the structure of the property, compromising its stability over time. In buildings with shared walls and foundations, this poses a direct risk to neighbouring units as well. Structural damage not only diminishes the value of the property but also jeopardizes the safety of all occupants. In extreme cases, unchecked hoarding may lead to structural collapses or other catastrophic incidents, putting lives in peril.
Social Isolation: Hoarding often isolates individuals from their communities, impeding social interactions and support networks.
In 1-bedroom properties where neighbours are in close proximity, the consequences of social withdrawal can be particularly pronounced. Hoarders may face stigma and ostracization from their neighbour’s, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and depression. Moreover,
the deterioration of living conditions due to hoarding can strain relationships with neighbours, leading to conflicts and further isolation.
Legal and Regulatory Consequences: Beyond the immediate hazards, hoarding in residential properties can also have legal ramifications. Many Co-ops have policies, procedures and building codes in place to address hoarding behaviours, with penalties ranging from Notice to Quit and eventual eviction. The Board as a landlord has a duty
to maintain safe and habitable living conditions for all tenants, and failure to address hoarding may result in dangerous areas for the Co-op. Furthermore, in cases where hoarding poses a severe risk
to health and safety, authorities may intervene to ensure compliance with regulations, potentially leading to involuntary cleanup or relocation efforts.
IN CONCLUSION: If you are hoarding in a 1-bedroom property with close neighbours nearby, it poses a myriad of dangers and hazards to both tenants and the surrounding community. From fire hazards and health risks to social isolation and legal consequences, the impacts of hoarding are far-reaching and potentially devastating. To safeguard the well-being of all residents and promote a safe living environment, it is imperative that hoarding behaviours be identified and addressed promptly through education, intervention, and support services.
By fostering awareness and collaboration within the Co-op we can mitigate the risks associated with hoarding and create healthier, safer living environments for everyone involved. Contact the Office if you know of possible hoarding.
Arneway Housing Co-operative Newsletter May 2024
HOUSING TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTS FILMS ON HOMELESSNESS – ‘SOMEONE’S DAUGHTER, SOMEONE’S SON.’
Below is an email I received recently from Housing Technology regarding a new film which will be released in Cinemas, but can also be viewed via Housing Technology On Demand. The documentary is a reminder that homelessness can happen to anyone, but that there should always be hope for the future.
Dear Duncan,
We are thrilled to announce Housing Technology’s involvement in bringing the compelling film, “Someone’s Daughter, Someone’s Son,” to UK cinemas. We are proud to have supported this project which highlights the vital issue of homelessness in the UK.
Directed by the acclaimed Lorna Tucker, this film debuted on 16th February 2024, following a highly successful Kickstarter campaign. Lorna Tucker, whose personal journey from homelessness to becoming an award-winning film director informs the narrative, offers an intimate look into the systemic issues surrounding homelessness in the UK.
“Someone’s Daughter, Someone’s Son” is not just a film; it’s a movement, backed by Housing Technology, Lord John Bird and The Big Issue, Shelter, Centrepoint, and Crisis. Bryan Adams has penned an exclusive song for the film, and voiceover is by Academy Award winner Colin Firth.
Watch the film via Housing Technology On Demand
“Someone’s Daughter, Someone’s Son” is exclusively available to watch for Housing Technology subscribers for free, via our On Demand streaming plat- form. If you are an employee at a housing provider, you can sign up for a free On Demand Membership.