A couple in South London faced a hefty bill of £22,500 for retaining a council home while owning a five-bedroom property they purchased in Croydon. Uchenna and Nkeiruka Nzekwe were given a council house in SE16 despite already living in their recently acquired home mortgage-free.
Following a tip-off that no children resided at the council property, Southwark Council’s Housing Investigation Team launched an inquiry in October 2022. The investigation revealed that the Nzekwes were not living in the council house but had extended family members occupying it.
During questioning in February 2024, Mr. Nzekwe disclosed that his family utilized both residences. He argued that the Croydon property was held in trust for his daughter, hence not requiring declaration.
Despite being warned of potential legal action for not surrendering the tenancy, the couple failed to present a formal defense. Consequently, they were prohibited by the court from doing so. On October 1, Clerkenwell and Shoreditch County Court granted Southwark Council possession of the Fir Trees Close property.
The couple were instructed to vacate within 14 days to avoid eviction by court bailiffs. Additionally, they were mandated to pay £6,000 in occupation charges and £16,500 towards the council’s legal expenses.
Councillor Michael Situ, Southwark’s Cabinet Member for Housing, emphasized the detrimental impact of tenancy fraud on those genuinely in need of council housing. He highlighted the council’s commitment to investigating and taking action against tenancy fraud offenders.
Residents were encouraged to report suspected tenancy fraud anonymously to safeguard council homes for those requiring assistance. Southwark Council emphasized a zero-tolerance stance towards fraud and noted that its Housing Investigation Team had uncovered over £1.5 million in tenancy fraud since April 2025.