Lyons vows stronger powers on tenancy fraud with consultation launch
Date published:
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has stepped up efforts to clamp down on fraudsters and protect social housing by launching a consultation on proposals to combat tenancy fraud and misuse in Northern Ireland.
It is estimated that tenancy fraud and misuse in social housing costs the public purse around £9.9million each year, though the true figure may be higher due to the covert nature of fraudulent activity and the fact some cases remain unreported.
Between April 2020 and March 2025, a total of 1,437 social homes were recovered following tenancy fraud investigations in Northern Ireland.
Minister Lyons said:
“I will not tolerate attempts to cheat the system and will act decisively to address them. Tenancy fraud is not a victimless crime, it is taking housing, and in some cases a lifeline, from those who need it most.
“Every house matters in Northern Ireland and that is why I am focused on ensuring that social homes are protected from fraud and misuse and I will ensure that they are prioritised for those in need.
“This consultation reflects my commitment to putting hard-pressed people and families first. It is an important step towards safeguarding social housing, improving fairness, supporting those affected and protecting the integrity of the housing system.”
Tenancy fraud involves attempts to gain or retain social housing through misleading, incomplete or false information, or by failing to disclose relevant facts.
The public consultation is seeking views on an overarching strategic approach, including proposals for new primary legislation to strengthen the response to tenancy fraud and misuse.
Minister Lyons added:
“Social housing provides safe, affordable and secure homes for tens of thousands of hard-working individuals and families and should be protected as a vital social asset.
“This public consultation is the next important step in delivering on that commitment. I urge everyone with an interest to have their say. Help shape a stronger, more effective approach to tackling tenancy fraud and misuse in Northern Ireland.”
The consultation is open now and will run for 14 weeks until 6 October 2026.
More information and details on how to respond can be found at:
The Department will also host four information sessions during the course of the consultation, in Belfast, Londonderry, and two online.
Notes to editors:
- The consultation document entitled, “Every House Matters: a new approach to tackling social housing tenancy fraud and misuse” is available to read at: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/shtf-ni
- Department for Communities continues to lead a collaborative effort across the housing sector to prevent and combat tenancy fraud and misuse. This includes heading up a tenancy fraud forum to promote best practice, the establishment of a NIHE specialist team to tackle tenancy fraud in its stock, Housing Association policies, and continued engagement with key stakeholders as demonstrated through the convening of Northern Ireland’s first ever tenancy fraud conference in November 2025.
- The Department for Communities will host the following information sessions, all from 10.30am to 12.30pm, during the course of the consultation period:
• 11 August – Guildhall, Londonderry
• 18 August – online
• 8 September – NICVA, Duncairn Gardens, Belfast
• 15 September – online
Further details can be found at https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/shtf-ni - For media enquiries please contact the Press Office via email: press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk
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- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.