Tenancy fraud investigations
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What is tenancy fraud?
Tenancy fraud is the act of misleading a landlord in order to occupy a home; this can be one that is let privately, or one provided by a social housing association. There are several types of tenancy fraud, but all can result in eviction if discovered. At UKPI, we help landlords get to the bottom of suspected tenancy fraud, gathering evidence of wrongdoing, and pursuing either a civil court outcome or a criminal conviction.
The types of tenancy fraud
Believe it or not, there are several kinds of tenancy fraud that landlords should be aware of. They are:
Unlawful subletting
This is a common one; it sees the person named on the tenancy agreement renting out the property to someone else unbeknownst to the landlord – and certainly without their permission.
Unlawful assignment
A tenant that stops using the house on which they have tenancy as their main home, and instead allows someone else to live there without the landlord’s permission.
Obtaining housing by deception
If someone gets accepted onto a tenancy by giving false information on their application, they’re committing tenancy fraud.
Wrongly-claimed succession
If a resident dies and someone who isn’t entitled to the tenancy takes over without permission, this is tenancy fraud.
Falsified right to Buy/Right to acquire applications
Tenancy fraud is committed where tenants give false information on a Right to Buy or Right to Acquire application.
Key selling
This is where a resident sells the keys to a property in return for a lump sum.
How to deal with commercial tenancy fraud
Go beyond audits
Tenancy audits rarely stop fraud from happening; if a tenant knows when an inspection is going to happen, then it’s not hard for them to be at the property during that time. Unannounced tenancy are prohibited under UK law unless there is an emergency. Additional checks may require more resources upfront if the real tenant isn’t home during the first visit, but if they’re consistently absent after that point, it could provide essential evidence in trying to get possession of the property back.
Gather evidence
Where tenancy fraud is occurring, you need all the evidence you can get. This is why it’s important to choose tenancy fraud investigators that possess the necessary tools, knowledge, and skills to get the job done right. With the relevant evidence, a strong case can be built against the perpetrator.
Prevent where possible
Preventing fraud in the first place may save money in the long run. As landlords will understand, regaining possession or pursuing other legal action against a tenant who has misled you, and therefore is living illegally, is costly and stressful.
Why investigate tenancy fraud?
Tenancy fraud is not only an unnecessary expense and inconvenience for landlords, it also prevents suitable housing being let to those who need it. Fraudulent tenancies often lead to overcrowding, damages, or even criminal activity, as well as stopping landlords from maintaining their properties to a good standard, which is required by law.
How we investigate tenancy fraud
To investigate tenancy fraud, we first work with you to discuss your suspicions, and understand how and where we can gather evidence to support your case. Then, our highly trained operatives will use a combination of surveillance and research that proves the tenancy fraud in a way that will stand up in court.
The benefits of tenancy fraud investigations
Getting help from professional housing tenancy fraud investigators can help landlords and the wider community in the following ways:
Reduces financial loss
Addressing tenancy fraud works to prevent revenue loss for landlords and housing associations. Instead, these funds can be used for property maintenance, and community initiatives.
More housing for genuine tenants
By identifying fraudulent occupants, investigations can free up housing for those in genuine need of it. Housing is known to be limited in the UK – fair access should be maximised.
Enhances community trust and safety
Thorough investigations can deter future fraud, promoting transparency and contributing to safer, more stable communities by reducing problems like overcrowding and unreported property misuse.
Some of our Private investigator services
Why hire UKPI?
Tenancy fraud is rife and not only costs you or your client money but also causes so much misery and financial difficulty. Since the so called "financial crisis," we have seen a 45% increase in cases involving tenancy fraud. We have saved our clients hundreds of thousands of pound and helped them to recover their losses. Get in touch today, to see how we can help you or your client.
Frequently asked questions
What are common signs of tenancy fraud?
Red flags that could indicate tenancy fraud include reports of occupants you don’t know about, frequent short-term visitors, difficulty getting hold of your tenant or meeting them at the property, unusually high wear and tear, or complaints from neighbours about noise or overcrowding.
How long does a tenancy fraud investigation take?
It’s difficult to give a timeframe for our investigations, as it can vary depending on the case complexity. However, most investigations are completed within a few weeks. We provide an estimate after our initial consultation.
Is the investigation confidential?
Of course; we conduct all investigations discreetly, ensuring the privacy of both you and your tenant.
How much does a tenancy fraud investigation cost?
The costs depend on the investigation’s scope and the methods and resources required from us. You’ll receive a tailored quote once we understand your specific needs during the initial consultation.
Can you help with tenancy fraud in social housing?
Yes, we work with social housing providers across the UK to uncover tenancy fraud.
What should I do if I suspect tenancy fraud?
Firstly, contact us for an initial consultation. We’ll assess the situation, discuss possible investigation methods, and advise on the next steps for collecting evidence.
Can the evidence housing tenancy fraud investigators gather be used in court?
Yes, it can. We provide thorough, legally-compliant reports and evidence that can support court proceedings.
Contact UKPI today to arrange your
Tenancy fraud investigation
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What we charge will depend on the complexity and the scope of the case. We offer a tailored quote after our initial consultation.
