A question of legality

[myron21]

I was just wondering, if the company you work for gives you a rent allowance of say 1500 per month, is it illegal to claim this allowance for a property that you already own? i.e without informing them that you are the owner of the property.  More importantly what would be the best way of hiding ownership identity.  I am hoping it is not illegal and merely something of a grey area.  Thanks in advance for any advice offered.

[Miss Zippy]

I�m no expert with the rules, but I think rent allowance can be paid to you in respect of a property you own (you are obviously taxed on this allowance as earned income).  I�m stating the obvious, but your employer will be able to advise you. If you deliberately try to conceal or misrepresent your true living arrangements in order to obtain a financial benefit, you are committing fraud which is a very serious offence.