Unlawfully sublet properties
Newham Council is recovering properties and preventing 'Right to Buy' applications due to unlawful subletting, where tenants rent out properties without landlord permission.
In July 2026, Newham Council's fraud team recovered eight properties and prevented ten 'Right to Buy' applications through civil court actions, as reported to the Audit and Governance Committee. These actions, targeting properties rented out by tenants without landlord permission, resulted in notional savings of £0.336 million and allow properties to be allocated to vulnerable residents.
The council's fraud team is currently investigating 173 housing cases related to unlawful subletting. Of these, 27 cases are awaiting civil court hearings for property possession, and five cases have been referred to the legal team for potential criminal prosecution, according to the update provided in July 2026.
Key facts
- Newham Council's fraud team recovered eight properties in July 2026. Source
- The team prevented ten 'Right to Buy' applications in July 2026. Source
- Notional savings of £0.336 million resulted from these actions. Source
- 173 housing cases are currently under investigation by the team. Source
- 27 cases are awaiting civil court hearings for property possession. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.