Lettings Hub says there were 91,593 cases of tenant application fraud in 2021 alone, with the most common form of fraud sees tenants providing fake or doctored ID, Right to Rent documents and references. 

It makes the claim in the launch of a new product in which it partners with another industry supplier – ID verification firm HooYu – to create what it describes as “a combined tenant referencing and digital Know Your Customer solution.”

It states that with the end of adjusted Right to Rent rules next week – which had allowed agents to complete checks using video calls and document copies – agencies are instead faced with having to complete in-person document checks. These put the emphasis on letting agents to be able to identify fake ID documents.

Meanwhile tenants can now set up broadband in their homes using a new integration between Goodlord and broadband provider Cuckoo. 

Goodlord says tenants won’t require complicated applications but instead answer just five questions at the end of their pre-tenancy process, with the technology taking care of the rest.  Tenants can also set up other key utilities at the same time through the Goodlord platform, including gas, electricity and water, as well as registering with their new council. 

Rik Smith, director of tenancy services at Goodlord, says: “We’re constantly looking for new providers and integrations that will improve the lettings process for both agents and tenants. Cuckoo’s technology means we can do both. The easier that we make it for tenants to opt-in to services like Cuckoo’s broadband, the easier we make it for agents to boost their revenue. It’s a win-win solution for everyone involved.”