Willesden Magistrates Court
A nurse who committed tenancy fraud by illegally renting out her council flat has been sentenced at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 17 March.
Hassana Kefas had been renting out her home in Barnet while living at a different address in Enfield with her partner since at least 2016.
During that time, figures indicate a loss to the council of approximately £51,106 due to the property being unavailable to those in need on the housing waiting list and having to stay in expensive temporary accommodation.
She was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, alongside 200 hours of unpaid work and 10 days of rehabilitation activities. She was also ordered to pay an unlawful profit order of £5,000, as well as compensation and costs of £10,000 to the council.
Kefas profited from illegally subletting the flat, collecting £19,633 more in rent from her tenants than she paid in rent to the council.
In sentencing, District Judge Walsh said:
“You profited from sub-letting as if it were your asset; you deprived LB Barnet and its honest residents in need of social housing – that is disgraceful. Your dishonesty was greedy and selfish.”
At the conclusion of the sentencing, DJ Walsh commended the London Borough of Barnet for a thorough investigation.
Civil proceedings for the recovery of the property were underway; however, the property was handed back by Ms Kefas after she had been found guilty.
Cllr Ross Houston, Barnet Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration, said:
“Tenancy fraud is not a victimless crime. Every home that is illegally sublet is one fewer available for a family in genuine need, often forcing people into costly temporary accommodation.
This case demonstrates that Barnet Council will take firm action against anyone who tries to profit at the expense of our residents. We will always protect our housing stock and ensure that council homes go to those who need them most.”
This financial year, Barnet’s Corporate Anti-Fraud Team successfully recovered 60 of properties that were being used illegally. These will now go back into Barnet’s stock of more than 13,000 social homes be used to house those in genuine need, saving the council millions in temporary accommodation costs.
If you have any information about suspected tenancy fraud in Barnet, you can contact the council:
https://www.barnet.gov.uk/your-council/fraud-investigation/tenancy-fraud