Supporting tenants with rent arrears Are you living in a home that’s become too big for your needs? We’re working with Manchester City Council to help you move to a smaller home and clear any rent arrears you may have up to £2,500. NEW If you’ve fallen into rent arrears and are living in a home with two or more bedrooms that aren’t being used, please get in touch. Managing any home can be challenging and we understand that when you’re living in a home that isn’t right for you, it can be stressful and sometimes an added financial strain. A new home might be more suitable for several reasons including: • Medical and mobility needs • Saving money on bills, including rent • Less cleaning and household maintenance
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Protecting social housing for those in need Social housing provides security and stability to people in need. It’s been estimated that the cost of tenancy fraud to the national public purse is £900 million a year. Tenancy fraud makes it harder for us to provide settled homes for people who truly need it. The cost of tenancy fraud isn’t just financial, it has a negative impact on the education of children, health, employment prospects, and the creation of safe communities. All social housing tenants have an obligation to act within the terms of their tenancy agreements and will be subject to severe penalties should they commit fraud. Tenancy fraud includes: • Unlawful subletting: Letting out a property without landlord consent. • Unlawful tenancy succession: Attempting to take over a tenancy without eligibility after the tenant dies. • Unlawful tenancy assignment: Transferring tenancy without landlord approval. • Obtaining housing by deception: Using false information to secure housing. • Key selling: Accepting payment to hand over property keys to someone else. Tenancy fraud is a criminal offence, and perpetrators could be subject to imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £50,000 as well as losing their tenancy. Southway has a duty to make best use of public resources and ensure that the homes we provide are properly managed. We’re committed to tackling tenancy fraud and will take the appropriate action against perpetrators. If you suspect that a property in your area may be subject to tenancy fraud, or if you need some advice, please contact the Housing Management and Support team on 0161 448 4200.
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• Avoiding the bedroom tax • Moving to a different area
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How does it work? You’d need to be registered on Manchester City Council’s ‘Manchester Move’ website so we can help you find and bid on suitable homes. After moving to another home, you would receive support up to the value of £2500, which would be used to clear your rent arrears, and any remaining balance would be credited to you. The city council’s rightsizing team would also help you with removal costs. Please get in touch if you’ve fallen into rent arrears and are living in a home with two or more bedrooms that aren’t being used.
Email incomecollections@southwayhousing.co.uk or call us on 0161 448 4200.
10 southwayhousing.co.uk
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