Subletting Investigation
Need a Free Consultation? Get in Touch Today.
Subletting Investigation
From time to time a person may take out a tenancy with a landlord or a letting agency with the sole intention of subletting the property to someone else. It is tenancy fraud unless the landlord provides express permission.
Illegal subletting can also cause other problems for the landlord, specifically, breaching the terms and conditions of mortgage and insurance conditions, and it could also inadvertently turn the property into an unlicensed house of multiple occupancy (HMO).
If you do not have the appropriate HMO licence, you are highly likely to be prosecuted if caught, resulting in heavy fines. If a tenant has unlawfully sublet a property, a landlord is entitled to take legal action.
The combination of rent rises and a shortage of affordable housing has led to an increased illegal subletting market, directly impacting the landlord and of course the subtenant. The benefits of doing so for the tenant is purely financial gain.
How does it work?
Once a person has taken a tenancy with a landlord or a letting agency, the tenant may never actually move into the property, or if they do, it's usually for a month or so to avoid suspicion.
Once they're in, they may draw up a new tenancy agreement for the property, or, for individual rooms within it and sublet them out separately whilst masquerading as the real landlord.
Signs of Subletting?
• Does the tenant avoid you, making excuses about why you cannot visit the property, or making it difficult for you to do so?
• Is the tenant a single person looking to rent a property far bigger than they need?
• Is the tenant offering a substantial rent payment upfront, i.e. six months?
• Is the landlord is receiving complaints from neighbours about the comings and goings of the people living at the address, excess noise, a build up of rubbish etc?
• During an inspection of the property, do you notice signs that other people could be living there such as extra toothbrushes in the bathroom, extra shoes around the property, extra bedding or sleeping bags, living out of suitcases, extra bedroom furniture?.
How can we help?
If you suspect a tenant is unlawfully subletting one of your properties, contact us today, our highly skilled investigators can carry out detailed discreet enquiries.
One we have gathered all the information from you or your client, we will analyse the facts and present to you a cost-effective strategy that is best suited to your specific case.
Every case is different, and the dynamics and scope of the investigation will be discussed and authorised by you prior to us continuing with your instruction.
However, it is highly likely that we will impose our Covert Surveillance Services on the property in order to satisfy the court that the tenant is not living at the property, therefore demonstrating that the property is occupied by subtenant(s).
If we find there is unlawful subletting, we will provide you with a detailed investigation report containing irrefutable date- and time-stamped photographic and/or video evidence that is admissible in court.
All of our covert surveillance services are conducted by professional, highly skilled investigators working within the parameters of the law and to strict codes of conduct. Rest assured, you are in safe hands.
Do you require our Covert Surveillance Services? Get in Touch
Contact us for your FREE consultation
Or complete the Quick Enquiry Form above, or:
Call us on 0121 270 7504 - 020 7859 4240 or 07572 914 272 or e-mail info@pax-animi.co.uk