A council tenant has been evicted from her home after it was revealed she was illegally subletting it to a friend. 

Nicola Chin, aged 37, moved out of her house in Pawsons Road, Selhurst in 2009 and began living in Bromley. 

She gave her rent card and keys to a friend, who then moved in his family. 

The council was alerted to the subletting when the friend tried to take over the tenancy. 

Ms Chin was ordered to pay £10,000 in rent arrears to Croydon Councilas as well as £3,000 court costs after a hearing at Croydon County Court on January 17.

Councillor Dudley Mead, cabinet member for housing, said: “At a time when social housing is needed more than ever, it is vital the council continues to clamp down on illegal subletting.

"We are pleased with the outcome of this case, as now the property will be freed up for a tenant who needs a home.”