Warning about fraudsters and ‘professional rogue tenants’ conning agents
Summary
The article highlights concerns raised by lettings expert Paul Shamplina about rental fraud, including fake tenants, false identities and references, and criminals posing as landlords or agents. It cites BBC Panorama cases where properties were taken over and used for criminal activity, illegal subletting, or were left damaged, with landlords facing lengthy possession and legal processes.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors may encounter properties affected by unlawful occupation, subletting, or criminal misuse, all of which can complicate inspections, valuations and possession-related advice. The piece also underlines the limitations of referencing alone and the need for vigilance where tenancy fraud or property misuse is suspected.
Key points
- Criminals are reportedly using false identities and references to secure rental properties.
- Some properties were allegedly used as a drugs factory, a brothel, or illegally sublet and ransacked.
- Shamplina warns that rental fraud can involve fake tenants, fake landlords, and fake letting agents.
- Landlords may face significant rent arrears, legal costs, and delays in regaining possession.
- Referencing alone is described as insufficient to eliminate risk during a tenancy.
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