How to Gather Proof of Cohabitation in the UK

September 24, 2023 - Reading time: 7 minutes

Most people are open and honest about their living situations. However, there are instances where individuals falsify the truth for personal or financial gain. This can occur in various ways, such as tenants illegally subletting rooms or individuals lying about their living arrangements in order to maximize support payments.

The consequences of falsifying cohabitation status can affect individual landlords, small businesses, as well as local authorities, which are funded by public money. Whomever the victim, it is always imperative to hold fraudsters accountable for their actions and to prevent them from profiting unjustly.

Why Proof of Cohabitation is Necessary

There are many reasons why individuals may seek proof of cohabitation in the UK. Besides individuals suspecting others of fraud, businesses and local authorities can also benefit from uncovering the truth about a person's living situation.

Here are some common reasons for seeking proof of cohabitation in the UK:

1. Landlords who suspect tenants of illegally subletting.
2. HMRC investigators who suspect individuals of making false claims for Housing Benefits or Council Tax Support for shared properties.
3. People who suspect their ex-partners of potentially lying about their living situations in order to maximize maintenance payments.
4. Solicitors seeking to prove cohabitation in divorce or custody proceedings.

Regardless of the situation, falsifying a living arrangement for personal or financial gain is both unfair and unlawful. The misrepresentation of cohabitation status is a prevalent reason for such deceit. In fact, recent government statistics indicate that fraudulent benefits claims cost taxpayers approximately £2 billion annually. Unlawful subletting is also a significant issue in the UK and can be considered a criminal offense. It occurs in both private tenancies and social housing.

Understanding Cohabitation

Before initiating a cohabitation case, it is essential to comprehend the term and its definition in the UK. According to Citizens Advice, cohabitation refers to two people living together as a couple, equivalent to a de-facto marriage. Cohabitation is steadily increasing, with the number of cohabitating families more than doubling from 1.5 million in the mid-1990s to over 3.3 million today. It is now the fastest-growing family type in the UK.

While cohabitation is often positive, it is not uncommon for individuals and couples to unlawfully exploit the benefits associated with living together. In some cases, cohabitation may also involve roommates residing in the same property. Landlords frequently encounter this issue when tenants illegally sublet rooms to subsidize their rent.

Requirements from the Courts

If you suspect someone of being dishonest about their living situation for personal or financial gain, the next step is to gather evidence which can support your claim. If you intend to present your case to a solicitor and initiate legal proceedings, it will be vital to have the appropriate evidence in place.

Evidence could include maintaining a daily log documenting activities and movements to and from the property in question. Additionally, you should provide a detailed cohabitation report, containing photographic and video evidence from separate visits and occasions. Typically, surveillance should be conducted over a period of two to three weeks. This demonstrates to the court that cohabitation is ongoing and continuous, rather than an isolated instance. It would be advisable to gain as much evidence as possible in order to build a strong case.

Photos and videos should be as clear as possible, so using a smartphone may not always suffice. Ideally, the courts prefer high-resolution photographs that clearly capture the faces of the individuals involved. Using powerful telephoto lenses capable of photographing subjects from a long distance can be advantageous when collecting evidence for proof of cohabitation in the UK. All images should also be timestamped in order to clearly document the time/date at which they were taken.

Obtaining Proof of Cohabitation

The most effective way to obtain evidence supporting your claim of cohabitation is to engage the services of an expert... Private investigators, with backgrounds in the military, police, and other authoritative fields, possess the necessary skills, expertise, and equipment to discretely collect information and document proof of cohabitation.

Here are some key benefits you can expect by having a private investigator on your side:

1. Industry-leading technology

Professional private investigators will employ state-of-the-art equipment, including telephoto lenses and high-quality video cameras, ensuring optimal results.

2. Insurance and certification

A reputable private investigator will have comprehensive Public and Employers' Liability Insurance, as well as iCO registration, ensuring all operations are conducted within legal boundaries and without concerns about liabilities.

By relying on the expertise and resources of a private investigator, you can greatly increase your chances of gathering solid proof of cohabitation.

3. Time, expertise, and resources

When engaging a professional private investigator, you significantly increase your chances of achieving the desired outcome and of gathering undeniable proof of cohabitation. Private investigators possess the necessary skills and resources which can ensure the best possible results.

4. Access to records

Private investigators are equipped with the means and knowledge to gather data which can be used to bolster your case for cohabitation... This entails accessing public/OSINT or otherwise confidential material which further substantiates the case.

5. Specialized cohabitation verification services

Obtaining proof of cohabitation doesn't have to be a burdensome and time-consuming process. Private Investigators UK offers specialized surveillance and investigative services throughout all areas of the UK. We possess the capabilities to procure the evidence of cohabitation that you require.

Please visit our homepage to learn more about us or to request a free, no obligation quote.