Government Partners with Airbnb to Crack Down on Social Housing Fraud

The UK Government has announced a new partnership with Airbnb aimed at tackling social housing fraud and ensuring homes are available for the people who need them most.

The industry-first agreement between the Cabinet Office’s Public Sector Fraud Authority and Airbnb will allow participating local authorities to compare social housing records with Airbnb listings to identify properties that are being illegally sublet as short-term holiday accommodation.

Early results from the scheme have already identified around 470 potential cases of social housing fraud across participating councils. Tenants found to be illegally subletting their homes could face eviction, financial penalties and, in the most serious cases, up to two years in prison.

The Government estimates that around 5,800 social homes in England may be illegally listed on short-term rental platforms, with each case of tenancy fraud costing taxpayers an estimated £78,300. The new partnership will initially cover more than 450,000 properties across participating local authorities.

Airbnb is the first short-term letting platform to enter into this type of data-sharing agreement with the Government. Officials are encouraging other rental platforms and councils to join the initiative to help protect valuable social housing stock.

The move forms part of the Government’s wider plans to safeguard social housing and ensure affordable homes remain available for individuals and families in genuine need.

Read the full Government announcement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/social-housing-fraud-to-be-tackled-under-industry-first-government-partnership-with-airbnb