"Proposals to criminalise sub letting for social housing tenants are part of a range of measures to tackle the shortage of social housing, and ensure those in greatest housing need get the homes they need. Sub-letting is already against the terms of a tenancy, with the ultimate sanction of eviction. But under these proposals tenants could face up to two years in prison.
We cannot ignore the desperate need to increase the supply of affordable housing, with around 1.8 million on the waiting list nationally, and we all desire a system that is fair. Where tenants are found to be exploiting the system to generate income, action needs to be taken. Housing Benefit fraud is already criminalised and sub letting to gain from social rent levels is not dissimilar.
But as with any such action, prison should always be a last resort, recognising the long-term impact it has on individuals, their families and communities.
I would hope initiatives such as annual tenancy visits can help landlords to increase their intelligence of who is living in their properties, uncover any tenancy breaches and understand the circumstances behind them. If tenants are sub-letting because they are genuinely struggling to cover their rent and other bills, then we should be offering help before beginning legal action.
While I welcome tougher powers to ensure a fair housing system, I would hope that landlords continue to look at all the issues to ensure tenancies and communities remain as sustainable as possible. We also need to ensure that action can be taken quickly when needed, and does not involve a lengthy legal process."
