Tenant given two-year community order and told to pay £2,400 in compensation after illegal subletting

The London Borough of Barnet has successfully prosecuted a tenant who illegally sublet her social housing property.

Amy Knight was given a 24-month community order, including 80 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation activity. She was also made to pay £2,400 in compensation.

Barnet brought a case against Knight for subletting her one-bedroom social housing property in Finchley.

Barnet’s Corporate Anti-Fraud Team (CAFT) launched an investigation in September 2018 following a referral from a subtenant seeking the return of her deposit after unknowingly renting a social housing property.

The court found that Knight had charged an initial £7,200, which the subtenant’s sponsor had paid, plus an additional £300 every two months. Despite Knight’s initial denials, a tenancy agreement proved the illegal sublet, Barnet said.

The investigation of the case was delayed by the defendant failing to attend a court hearing in December 2020 and, subsequently, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In February 2024, a civil court granted an outright possession order to reclaim the property for Barnet Homes.

Knight was sentenced at Harrow Crown Court on 17 July 2024.. She will have to attend meetings with the probation officer for the duration of the community order.

Cllr Ross Houston, Barnet’s Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration, said: "This case underscores the serious nature of social housing fraud and its impact on our community.

“The actions of Ms. Knight deprived a deserving family of a home and cost the Council significantly. We are committed to ensuring that social housing is used appropriately to support those truly in need."

Harry Rodd