Council Tenant Jailed for Illegally Subletting Woolwich Property

A man who illegally sublet his council flat in Woolwich for nearly three years has been sentenced to six months in prison.

Yussuf Alejo, 55, of Dumbreck Road, Eltham, was convicted of fraud at Woolwich Crown Court on May 1 after admitting to subletting his council home on Frances Street between July 2021 and June 2024.

Greenwich Council Responds

The case was brought by Greenwich Council, which has vowed to crack down on the illegal use of social housing amid a housing register backlog of more than 25,000 applicants.

Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:

“The misuse of our council homes is a serious offence that undermines the integrity of our housing register, which currently has over 25,000 people waiting for safe and secure housing.”

Call to Report Housing Fraud

Greenwich Council hopes Alejo’s prosecution will serve as a deterrent to others considering exploiting public housing for personal gain.

“We urge all residents to respect council homes and report suspected fraud,” Cllr Hyland added.
“Together, we can ensure fair and accessible community support for everyone.”

Residents can report suspected council housing fraud via the council’s fraud hotline or through their online reporting portal.

Background: Council Housing Fraud Crackdown

Local authorities across the UK have stepped up action against tenancy fraud, which the National Fraud Initiative estimates costs taxpayers over £180 million annually. Common abuses include unauthorised subletting, false declarations, and non-residency.

Alejo’s conviction is part of a broader Greenwich Council campaign to recover misused properties and make homes available for those in genuine need.