Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara

 

Program Fraud

The Housing Authority Fraud Unit will follow up on all reported allegations regarding program abuse by family participants and landlords, and will refer cases to the Public Assistance Fraud Unit of the Santa Clara County District Attorney's office when criminal investigation is required.  (see bottom of page for Fraud Allegation form)

What constitutes fraud?  Here are a few examples:

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Family has additional occupants living in the home without approval from the Housing Authority and owner.
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Family has undeclared income or assets.
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Family uses false documents, i.e., false birth certificates or marriage licenses.
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Family subleases all or part of the unit.
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Family owns or has interest in the unit.
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Unit is occupied by both the owner and family (exception for Shared Housing)
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Owner charges/collects additional payments not agreed upon in the lease.
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Owner knowingly accepts Housing Authority payments for a vacant unit.

In 2004, a San Jose couple was sentenced to one year in jail and must pay back $82,628 to the Housing Authority for having occupants living in their assisted unit without approval from the Housing Authority or the owner.

Also, in 2004, an owner convicted of fraudulently occupying the assisted unit paid back $96,458 of unentitled assistance to the Housing Authority.

The Housing Authority understands and appreciates that the vast majority of tenants and owners do not abuse the program.  However, because there are limited funds for housing assistance, the Housing Authority must  ensure that these  funds are being used ONLY by  those who are legitimately eligible.

If you need to report suspected fraud, please call the County Fraud Unit Tipline at (408) 635-1777 or print and complete the form below, then mail to the Housing Authority at 505 West Julian Street, San Jose, CA 95110.  All reports of fraud will be treated as unconfirmed allegations until they have been investigated and verified through independent sources.  In most cases, verified fraud will result in termination of housing assistance and may lead to criminal prosecution.

FRAUD ALLEGATION FORM (PDF document - requires Adobe Reader)

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