Fob key entry is new weapon to beat rogue tenants

23 July 2010

A PIONEERING scheme to crack down on rogue tenants illegally sub-letting is to be rolled out to more than 11,000 homes in Newham.

The key fob door entry system was introduced by Newham Homes at Queensland House, North Woolwich, in December.

The move followed an audit.

A spokeswoman for arms-length management organisation Newham Homes told the Recorder: "Since we started this scheme we have taken back 12 properties that were being illegally sub-let.

New fobs were only issued to those who supplied photo-identification and could prove they lived at the address.

Newham has 69 tower blocks, consisting of around 11,500 flats or maisonettes.

So far, 20 blocks, comprising 1,029 units, have been audited as part of the scheme.

Newham Homes' Chief Executive Michael Irvine admitted : "Illegal sub-letting is a huge problem for social landlords who are struggling to deal with the issue.

Full story in Wednesday's Recorder