Council Tenant Jailed for Illegally Subletting Woolwich Flat
A man who secretly sublet his council flat in Woolwich for nearly three years has been slammed with a six-month prison sentence.
Yussuf Alejo, 55, from Dumbreck Road, Eltham, pleaded guilty to fraud at Woolwich Crown Court on May 1. He admitted illegally renting out his council home on Frances Street between July 2021 and June 2024.
Greenwich Council Cracks Down on Housing Fraud
The case was brought forward by Greenwich Council, which is fighting back against illegal social housing use amid a massive backlog of more than 25,000 people waiting for homes.
“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,” said Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Housing.
Call to Arms: Report Housing Fraud Now
Greenwich Council hopes Alejo’s jail term sends a clear message to anyone thinking of exploiting public housing for profit.
“We urge all residents to respect council homes and report suspected fraud,” added Cllr Hyland. “Together, we can ensure fair and accessible community support for everyone.”
Residents can report suspected housing fraud via the council’s fraud hotline or through the official online reporting portal.
Wider Crackdown on Council Housing Fraud
Across the UK, councils are ramping up efforts against tenancy fraud, which the National Fraud Initiative estimates costs taxpayers over £180 million every year. Common offences include unauthorised subletting, false declarations, and non-residency.
Alejo’s conviction is part of Greenwich Council’s ongoing campaign to reclaim misused homes and provide safe housing for those genuinely in need.
