Airbnb has entered a data-sharing arrangement with the government
Under it, local authorities can access information from the short-lets service to spot when council homes are being advertised – something which is illegal.
Social housing can only be used as a tenant’s main and permanent home, and it cannot be sub-let out to someone else.
It marks the first time any short-term rental platform has proactively shared data with the government to combat social housing fraud.
Fraudsters can face further punishments including eviction, fines, and up to two years imprisonment.
The government estimates that 5,800 social homes are suspected of being illegally sublet on short-term rental platforms in England, with each case of tenancy fraud costing taxpayers an estimated £78,300.
A spokesperson for Ealing council in west London – one of the authorities in the partnership – says: “This … gives us another tool to use in our fight against fraud. The overwhelming majority of council tenants follow the rules and use their homes as their main residence. However, we will always take strong action when we find that our properties are being misused.
“Every council home recovered through tenancy fraud investigations is a home that could be allocated to a person or family in genuine need. With demand for affordable housing continuing to rise, it is vital that these properties are used for the purpose they were intended.”
That council says its officers carry out unannounced visits to make sure homes are being used by the right tenants.
Residents may be asked to provide photographic identification, proof of address, and details of everyone living in the property.