The London Borough of Barnet has successfully prosecuted a woman for illegally subletting her one-bedroom social housing property six years after launching its initial investigation.

The council’s Corporate Anti-Fraud Team (CAFT) started investigating Amy Knight in September 2018 following a referral from a subtenant seeking the return of her deposit after unknowingly renting a social housing property.

Evidence revealed that Knight had received an initial £7,200 from the subtenant’s sponsor, and an additional £300 every two months. Despite Knight’s initial denials, a tenancy agreement proved the illegal sublet.

The investigation faced delays due to Knight’s failure to attend a court hearing in December 2020 and subsequent travel abroad, as well as 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, to be offered to someone in genuine need.

Knight pleaded guilty on the second day of trial on 30 April and was sentenced at Harrow Crown Court on 17 July. She was given a 24-month Community Order, including 80 Hours of unpaid work, 20 days of rehabilitation activity and will be made to pay £2,400 in compensation. She will also have to attend meetings with the probation officer for the duration of the order.

Cllr Ross Houston, 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.”