At Hightown, we believe our homes should go to people and families who genuinely need them. Unfortunately, tenancy fraud prevents this from happening and denies homes to those waiting for a safe, secure place to live.
This November, we’re launching a Key Amnesty in partnership with councils and local organisations across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire to tackle tenancy fraud and ensure our homes are used fairly.
What is tenancy fraud?
Tenancy fraud happens when someone lives in a property they’re not entitled to or uses false information to get a home. It’s illegal, unfair, and takes housing away from those who need it most.
- Unlawful subletting – renting out all or part of your home without permission.
- False applications – giving incorrect information to secure a property.
- Unauthorised succession – staying in a home after the legal tenant has left or passed away.
- Selling the keys – accepting money to hand over your property.
- Abandonment – moving out without telling us or giving proper notice.
Why it matters
Across the UK, it’s estimated that over 100,000 social homes are being occupied by people who shouldn’t be living in them. That’s thousands of families missing out on the housing they urgently need.
November is key amnesty month
If you’re currently committing tenancy fraud, this is your chance to put things right.
Throughout November, you can return your keys with no questions asked and no legal action taken. It’s a confidential opportunity to end your tenancy voluntarily and help someone else find a home.
To end your tenancy, return your keys along with a surrender form or letter to:
Hightown House, Maylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4XH
If posting, please use a secure method – you’re responsible for the keys until we receive them.
How you can help
- If you’re affected – take part in the Key Amnesty and help make housing fairer/
- If you suspect fraud – report it confidentially using one of the methods below.
- If you’ve unknowingly rented from a Hightown tenant – contact us. We’ll do our best to support you and help you find a safe, legal home.
If you think you've been unknowingly renting a home from one of our customers, please get in touch, and we'll do our best to try and help you, and get you the support you need to find a new home.
Report tenancy fraud
If you suspect someone is committing tenancy fraud, please let us know:
- 📧 Email: fraud@hightownha.org.uk
- 📞 Call: 01442 292 300 (ask for the Housing team)
- 💬 Message us via the website
- 📱 Text: 07768 286694
- 🏠 Report via your MyHightown account
Let’s work together to make sure our homes go to those who truly need them.
