Khalid Sharif ordered to repay £30k for illegal Wandsworth sublet

Key Points

• Khalid Sharif, a tenant of Wandsworth Council, sublet his social housing property to another individual while living elsewhere.
• The property was advertised and rent collected through an estate agency, with subletting at £1,400 per month and six months’ rent paid upfront.
• The case was heard at Wandsworth County Court in December 2025.
• Mr Sharif argued he had bought the property and thus could sublet it, but the council proved he had not purchased it, making the subletting unauthorised.
• Wandsworth Council won the case; Mr Sharif was ordered to repay £29,860.48 and surrender the property.
• The property can now be allocated to someone on the housing waiting list.
• Simon Hogg, Leader of Wandsworth Council, stated: “Council housing provides a safe and secure home for those most in need. When that system is exploited for personal financial gain, it deprives someone of a much-needed home and contributes to longer waiting lists across Wandsworth. There is no place for unauthorised subletting in our borough, and along with the South West London Fraud Partnership, we will use the full extent of the law to root out people abusing the system.”
• The South West London Fraud Partnership (SWLFP) handles fraud investigations for Wandsworth, Kingston, Richmond, Merton, and Sutton boroughs, focusing on subletting and abandonment cases.
• Reports of suspected fraud can be sent to swlfp@wandsworth.gov.uk.

Wandsworth (South London News) February 3, 2026 – A man has been ordered to pay back more than £29,000 after illegally subletting his council property in Wandsworth while residing elsewhere, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat housing fraud in the borough.

What Happened in the Khalid Sharif Case?

Khalid Sharif sublet his Wandsworth Council property to another tenant via an estate agency. As detailed in the MyLondon report, an investigation revealed the property was rented out for £1,400 monthly, with six months’ rent paid upfront. This unauthorised arrangement breached tenancy terms prohibiting subletting without permission.

The discovery prompted legal action, culminating in a hearing at Wandsworth County Court in December 2025. During proceedings, Mr Sharif claimed ownership of the property, asserting he had bought it and therefore had the right to sublet. However, Wandsworth Council presented evidence disproving purchase, confirming the property remained social housing under council tenancy.

What Was the Court Ruling?

The court ruled in favour of Wandsworth Council. Khalid Sharif was ordered to repay £29,860.48, covering unlawful profits, and to surrender the property immediately. This outcome allows the council to reallocate the home to an individual on the lengthy housing waiting list.

No specific journalist name is attributed in the MyLondon article, but the story emphasises the financial penalty’s role in deterring fraud. The precise figure of £29,860.48 underscores the council’s rigorous calculation of gains from the sublet.

Why Was the Subletting Illegal?

Social housing tenancies explicitly ban subletting without council approval to ensure properties serve those in genuine need. Mr Sharif’s actions violated this, as he no longer occupied the dwelling as his principal home while profiting from high market rents. The use of an estate agency for advertising and collection formalised the breach, making it detectable through financial trails.

Councils like Wandsworth rely on the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013, which enables unlawful profit orders when tenants cease principal occupancy and receive payments from subletting. In this instance, the upfront payment amplified the recoverable amount.​

Who Is Simon Hogg and What Did He Say?

Simon Hogg, Leader of Wandsworth Council, commented on the ruling’s significance. As reported by MyLondon, he said:

“Council housing provides a safe and secure home for those most in need. When that system is exploited for personal financial gain, it deprives someone of a much-needed home and contributes to longer waiting lists across Wandsworth. There is no place for unauthorised subletting in our borough, and along with the South West London Fraud Partnership, we will use the full extent of the law to root out people abusing the system.”

His statement reflects a zero-tolerance stance, prioritising vulnerable residents amid housing shortages.

What Is the South West London Fraud Partnership?

The South West London Fraud Partnership (SWLFP) led the investigation into Mr Sharif’s case. SWLFP counter fraud officers operate across Kingston, Richmond, Wandsworth, Merton, and Sutton, specialising in subletting and property abandonment probes.

The partnership encourages public reporting of suspicions via swlfp@wandsworth.gov.uk. Their involvement mirrors patterns in similar cases, demonstrating collaborative regional enforcement.​

Are There Similar Subletting Cases in Wandsworth?

Wandsworth Council has pursued multiple subletting violations recently. In a parallel case reported by SWLondoner, former tenant Maria Sarabia-Ortiz was ordered to repay over £23,000 after subletting her property for more than five years while abroad. The discovery stemmed from a subtenant’s complaint about heating, referred to SWLFP.

As detailed in the Wandsworth Borough Council press release, Ms Sarabia-Ortiz sublet rooms at £600 per bedroom; tenants’ adult sons slept in the living room, with ads on Spareroom.com. Bank statements showed rent credits from 2018 during her extended absences. She initially denied then admitted knowing subletting was prohibited.

Wandsworth County Court in September 2024 granted an unlawful profit order of £21,744.09, money judgment of £1,193.23, and costs of £460.50. Cllr Angela Ireland, cabinet member for finance, stated:

“There is no place for unlawful subletting in our borough, and along with the South West London Fraud Partnership, we will use the full extent of the law to root out people abusing the system.”

She added that such abuse lengthens waiting lists.

Andrew Lane of Cornerstone (via LinkedIn) highlighted SWLFP’s success, noting requirements under the 2013 Act: breached no-sublet term, ceased occupancy, and received payments.​

How Does Subletting Impact Housing Waiting Lists?

Unauthorised subletting removes homes from those in need, exacerbating shortages. Leader Simon Hogg noted it “contributes to longer waiting lists across Wandsworth.” Cllr Ireland echoed this, saying it “deprives someone of a much-needed home.”

In Ms Sarabia-Ortiz’s case, the property’s recovery aids reallocation. Similarly, Mr Sharif’s surrender benefits the queue.​

What Should Tenants Know About Subletting Rules?

Council tenancies prohibit subletting without written consent. Breaches trigger investigations, court orders, repayment, and eviction. Wandsworth urges reporting via SWLFP.

How Can Suspected Fraud Be Reported?

Contact SWLFP at swlfp@wandsworth.gov.uk for subletting suspicions in covered boroughs. Wandsworth’s fraud hotline handles benefits issues separately.

What Measures Is Wandsworth Council Taking?

The council partners with SWLFP for proactive probes. Successful cases like Sharif’s and Sarabia-Ortiz’s demonstrate commitment to “the full extent of the law.” Recovered funds and properties restore equity