Illegal sublet of property
Tuesday, 9 April 2024
We are tackling the illegal sub-letting of our properties, ensuring that homes intended for those in genuine need are not exploited for profit.
Following an investigation, a man has been sentenced for illegally sub-letting a council property that was in his name.
Ben Varle, 47, of Barn Owl Road, Luton, held a tenancy at one of our properties in Sycamore Road, Houghton Regis.
However, after an anonymous allegation sparked an investigation, it was found that Mr Varle had left his property in Sycamore Road. He had actually been living in Luton and illegally subletting the property for around 12 months, being paid rent by tenants.
At Luton Magistrates Court on Tuesday 5 March, Mr Varle pleaded guilty under the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013. On Wednesday 3 April he was sentenced to an 18 month community order for unpaid work. Mr Varle must complete 120 hours unpaid work and was ordered to pay a contribution towards costs of £744 and a victim surcharge of £114.
Cllr Steven Watkins, Executive Member for Business, Housing and Public Assets, said:
Sub-letting council properties is a betrayal of trust, and every illegal sub-let deprives a family in genuine need of secure housing. We will continue to crack down on illegal sub-letting to ensure that our housing system is fair and that people don’t exploit the system.