Tenants illegally sub-letting their Ealing council homes have now missed the chance to hand back their keys and avoid criminal prosecution, as the council’s key amnesty scheme ended on 31 March 2014.

It led to the recovery of four properties. It costs Ealing council an average of £18,000 a year to house a family in temporary accommodation and the recovery of these properties represents a saving of £72,000. The homes will now be reallocated to local families in genuine need.

The council is also investigating reports over 20 properties, where illegal sub-letting is thought to be taking place, and is now urging local residents to continue to notify the council in strict confidence, by calling 0800 328 6453 or sending an email to fraudreferrals@ealing.gov.uk

Councillor Hitesh Tailor, cabinet member for housing, employment and skills, said: "Time has run out for people illegally sub-letting their home, and there is no place to hide."

"With more than 10,000 households on our housing waiting list in genuine need of an affordable home, illegally sub-letting a council property is not only selfish because it deprives those in need of a home, it’s also criminal."

"If you are illegally sub-letting your council home, you cannot avoid these serious consequences."

Laws introduced in October 2013 have made sub-letting a council property a criminal act. Tenants that are now found to be renting their council homes out could face up to two years in prison and a fine of up to £50,000. Under the Proceeds of Crime Act they may also have to pay back profits made from sub-letting the property.