Tenancy cuckooing is when people take over, or ‘cuckoo’, a property. Perpetrators often pose as carers to ‘get their foot in the door’ or take advantage of other support needs such as offering to pay for food or utilities. They may also offer to help keep people safe by staying in the property to be on hand while they practice activities that may present risk. They may also offer discounted or free substances if they can stay over, while using and dealing illegal substances.
Cuckooing can be extremely distressing and harmful for people that are already at-risk due to previous homelessness and other related disadvantages.
Cuckooing is now a standalone criminal offence
Sitting under the Crime and Policing Act 2026, this marks an important step forward in protecting vulnerable people from exploitation.
Under the new law, a person commits an offence if they take control of someone else’s home without consent to carry out criminal activity. This can include drug dealing, sexual exploitation, or other illegal activities, and carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine, or both. The law specifically targets perpetrators who exploit the vulnerabilities of the occupant.
Sarah Cottrell, Assistant Director of Housing Services at Framework, said:
“At Framework, we welcome the introduction of cuckooing as a standalone criminal offence. It is particularly helpful in enabling us to take enforcement action where needed, while strengthening our ability to protect vulnerable residents. We will continue to work closely with the police and partner agencies to identify risks early and ensure people are kept safe in their homes.”
