Agents and landlords have been warned by a lettings platform that there may be as many as one in twenty private rental homes let out to criminals.

A spokesperson for the platform, says: “For landlords, letting agents, and management companies, it can be difficult to say with absolute confidence that they are not unwittingly enabling criminals to occupy their rental properties.”

The company warns agents and landlords to be extra vigilant in detecting identity fraud, illegal subletting and falsified financial documents. It highlights the obvious danger signs of receiving requests for wire transfers and of course rental arrears.

“Wire transfers are a common way for criminals to try to defraud landlords and property managers. A red flag is when a cheque is issued and given to the landlord for more money than has been requested. The fraudster will then ask for the excess money to be returned to them before the whole cheque bounces, by which time the tenant has made their money and probably disappeared.”

The company says if agents and landlords’ suspicions are raised then they must immediately take action, ensure they follow the correct protocols and keep a detailed file on what could and are ‘dodgy’ properties and tenants.

“While it might be galling to have to follow the strict eviction protocols when your tenant themselves is a criminal, it’s important you do. This means serving them with a Section 8 notice as you would any other rogue tenant. You can then follow this up with a possession order.

“Make a note of the date and time of every phone call or correspondence along with what was said and who said it. Keep track of all efforts you’ve made to reach out for help, and make note of exactly what you think the tenant is doing wrong.”