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Airbnb data-sharing flags illegal short-term sublets of social homes

Tenancy Fraud Forum estimates nearly 6,000 social homes in England are illegally sublet on short-term rental platforms, with about 470 cases identified so far by participating local authorities.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Residential

London councils and Airbnb have started sharing data to identify suspected illegal subletting of social homes on short-term rental platforms, according to BBC Business.

The Tenancy Fraud Forum, a not-for-profit organization, said it suspects nearly 6,000 social homes in England are being illegally sublet. Early results from participating local authorities have identified 470 cases of social housing fraud so far.

The outlet also reported that offenders may face penalties including eviction, fines, and up to two years in prison. The Cabinet Office says whether a tenant can sublet a room depends on their tenancy terms and may require council permission, but subletting an entire social housing property is an offence.

Government estimates place the average cost to taxpayers per case at £78,300, which can include temporary accommodation for genuine applicants, legal costs to recover property, and rent foregone during the void period between tenancies. The Tenancy Fraud Forum estimated at least 1,000 social homes are illegally advertised for short-term lets on Airbnb in London over a year, and the figure could be higher when other platforms are included.

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