A leading lettings expert has spoken out about what he calls “professional rogue tenants” who take control of rental properties.

Landlord Action founder Paul Shamplina has raised the issue during a BBC Panorama investigation examining how criminal gangs are using false identities and references to take control of rental properties.

The programme – available on BBC iPlayer – discusses cases in which landlords instruct reputable letting agencies to carry out tenancy checks, only to discover that their properties had been let to criminals.

The programme featured property owners whose homes were subsequently used as a drugs factory and a brothel, as well as a property that was illegally sublet and ransacked.

Shamplina – who contributed case studies to the programme – says: “These are not simply cases of tenants falling into arrears or breaching the terms of a tenancy. 

“Rental fraud can involve fake tenants using false documents to secure properties, as well as people posing as landlords or letting agents to collect rent and deposits for properties they do not own.

“We also see professional rogue tenants moving from one property to another, using false identities and references and leaving landlords with significant rent arrears and legal costs. 

“The cases featured in this programme show the devastating consequences landlords can face when criminals gain access to rental properties.

“When the truth emerges, the landlord can find themselves caught between the criminal justice system and the civil possession process. 

“n my experience, reports of suspected rental fraud are not always acted upon, with some treated as civil disputes. Meanwhile, the landlord can still face months of legal proceedings before they are able to take back control.”

“Referencing alone cannot eliminate every risk. Landlords and agents must remain alert throughout the tenancy and act quickly if they suspect a property is being sublet or used for criminal purposes.

“Once criminals have gained control of a property, recovering it can be an extremely difficult, lengthy and costly process. Panorama shines an important light on what is happening and the devastating impact it can have on the property owners involved.”