Typical Scams Landlords Should Look Out For

15th September 2023
Home > News > Typical Scams Landlords Should Look Out For
Scammers have become increasingly adept at employing sophisticated tactics to swiftly profit, frequently leaving landlords facing financial losses or ensnared in complex legal entanglements. Continue reading to discover the prevalent scams targeting landlords and learn how to safeguard your rental property.


Forgery of Documents

In our age of technological marvels, crafting convincing counterfeit IDs, doctor's payslips, bank statements, and references has become considerably simpler. Consequently, landlords may unwittingly accept a tenant who conceals their true identity, possesses a tarnished credit history, or intends to engage in illicit activities on the property.

Solution: Exercise diligence during the tenant referencing process. Exercise caution if a tenant offers a substantial upfront payment to bypass the standard referencing procedures.

Subletting

Subletting can result in overpopulation and heightened wear and tear on your property. Moreover, it might void the terms of your mortgage and insurance agreements. The fundamental requirement is to ascertain the number and identities of individuals residing on your property.

Solution: Ensure that your lease agreement explicitly prohibits subletting and conduct routine property inspections.


Home Hijackers

The modus operandi of this deception involves a tenant legally changing their name to match that of the landlord and obtaining fraudulent identification. Subsequently, they list the property at a reduced price, insisting on a cash sale and swift transaction to minimize scrutiny. When estate agents and solicitors demand identification during the sales process, the scammer presents their newly acquired ID in the landlord's name.

If no one detects any irregularities during this process, the buyer may hand over a substantial sum, believing they have purchased the property. While the buyer suffers financial losses, the actual property owner might need to navigate a convoluted process to establish ownership.

Solution: Properties without mortgages or those not sold or mortgaged since 1998 are more vulnerable. Landlords should ensure property registration with HM Land Registry and subscribe to receive alerts regarding any applications or searches related to the property.

Additionally, consider employing the services of a reputable letting agent, especially if you reside far from the property and cannot conduct regular inspections personally.

Bluestone Properties
Looking for top-notch letting agents and property management services in South London and its surrounding areas? Your search ends here with Bluestone Properties. Our dedicated team is ready to provide you with hassle-free and professional solutions for all your property needs. Whether you're a landlord seeking efficient property management or a tenant in search of your ideal rental, we've got you covered. Contact us today to experience excellence in property services. Your journey to stress-free property management starts with a click or a call to Bluestone Properties.

Share this article

Related News

05/11/2023
Ensuring the Safety of Your Letting Property: A Comprehensive Guide for Landlords

Many people are under the assumption that being a landlord is an easy ride. Get your tenants in, collect the monthly rent, and that’s it, you’re laughing. Sounds like a dream… Unfortunately, it’s far from the truth, as most experienced landlords and agents will tell you.Being a landlord involves much more than just collecting rent. I...

Read More
20/06/2025
UK House Prices See Sharpest Monthly Decline in Four Years After Stamp Duty Cut Ends

The UK housing market experienced a notable dip in April 2025, marking the steepest monthly decline in residential property values since mid-2021. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average house price fell by 2.8% between March and April, bringing the typical UK home down to approximately £265,000. This decline follows the con...

Read More
28/08/2024
The Benefits of Offering Unfurnished Rentals

As a landlord, you're likely no stranger to the age-old debate: should you offer furnished or unfurnished rentals? While furnished rentals may seem like an attractive option, offering unfurnished rentals can have a multitude of benefits for both you and your tenants. In this article, we'll explore the advantages of providing unfurnished rentals and why it ma...

Read More
02/11/2020
LANDLORDS – WHAT THE NEW LOCKDOWN MEANS FOR YOU?

As the cases of Covid-19 are rising across the UK, the Government has announced that there will be a national lockdown starting Thursday 5 November to Wednesday 2 December.During the 4-week long lockdown, the rental market is to remain open according to the housing secretary Robert Jenrick.The tenants and landlords will still be able to conduct house moves r...

Read More