While we will take proactive action to recover properties which have been illegally sublet, we will be mindful that unauthorised occupants are likely to have been victim to paying increased rent and are put in a vulnerable position once we have taken appropriate action to gain possession of the property.
If we discover an unauthorised occupant, we will explain the steps we are taking to regain possession of the property, including expectations on when they will need to vacate the property. We will signpost them to relevant agencies for further support, including homelessness services. We will raise any safeguarding concerns with relevant services, including adult social care or children's services, in line with safeguarding procedures.
Where we become aware that an unauthorised occupant occupies the whole of the property, we reserve the right to apply a use and occupation charge and inform them that any payment received is for this charge only.