A couple in South London faced a hefty bill of £22,500 for retaining possession of a council home while also owning a mortgage-free five-bedroom house in Croydon. Uchenna and Nkeiruka Nzekwe were given a council property in SE16 in June 2021, shortly after acquiring the Croydon home, where they chose to reside.
Following a tip-off that no children had ever lived in the council house, Southwark Council’s Housing Investigation Team launched an inquiry in October 2022. The investigation revealed that the Nzekwes were not residing in the council property themselves but had extended family members occupying it.
During questioning in February 2024, Mr. Nzekwe acknowledged that his family utilized both residences. He claimed the Croydon property was held in trust for his daughter and therefore did not require declaration, according to MyLondon.
Despite being warned of potential legal repercussions for not relinquishing the council tenancy, the couple failed to present a formal defense. Consequently, they were prevented from doing so by the court. On October 1, Clerkenwell and Shoreditch County Court granted possession of the Fir Trees Close home to Southwark Council.
The couple was directed to vacate the premises within 14 days to avoid eviction by court bailiffs. Additionally, they were instructed to pay occupation charges exceeding £6,000 and contribute £16,500 towards the council’s legal expenses.
Councillor Michael Situ, Southwark’s Cabinet Member for Housing, emphasized that tenancy fraud deprives those genuinely in need of council housing. He emphasized the council’s commitment to investigating and taking action against such fraudsters, warning of the risk of losing their homes and facing financial penalties.
Residents were encouraged to report any suspicions of tenancy fraud anonymously to safeguard council homes for those who require them. Southwark Council reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on fraud and highlighted that its Housing Investigation Team had identified over £1.5 million in tenancy fraud since April 2025.
