The offences took place during the 2024/2025 financial year and involved individuals unlawfully occupying or attempting to purchase council-owned homes.
In one case, a person tried to buy a council property they were renting out, despite already owning another home in the UK that they intended to sell.
Further investigation revealed significant financial activity, including private school fees and property purchases in the United States.
A judge awarded £14,000 in compensation to the council and ordered the return of the property.
Councillor Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, said: “We remain committed to maintaining an honest and fair housing programme and ensuring that all tenants have a legitimate and lawful right to social housing.
“This includes thoroughly reviewing Right to Buy applications and conducting unannounced audits to prevent fraud.”
In another instance, the council’s tenancy audit team discovered that a tenant was linked to a mortgage at a property in a different area.
The counter fraud team confirmed the connection, and the individual was required to return the Havering property to the council.
Cllr Morgon added: “These cases highlight the council’s dedication to protecting public resources and providing social housing opportunities for eligible Havering residents.”
The Tenancy Fraud London 2025 report, which includes data from all 33 London boroughs, states that London has more than 800,000 social homes.
Of these, 54 per cent are provided by housing associations and 46 per cent by London boroughs.
The report also notes that almost 50,000 social homes in London are affected by some form of tenancy fraud.
This type of fraud is the second largest source of local government fraud losses.
In Havering, the counter fraud team reviewed 333 Right to Buy applications during the year.
Of these, 50 were stopped at the initial review stage due to concerns about fraud.
Anyone who suspects tenancy fraud in Havering can call the council’s hotline on 01708 432405 (9am to 5pm) or email fraud@havering.gov.uk.
