Landlord Action founder Paul Shamplina will appear in a new BBC Panorama investigation examining how criminal gangs commit rental fraud using false identities and references to take control of rental properties.
Panorama: There's a Gangster in My Flat airs tonight, Monday 20 July, at 8pm on BBC One and investigates cases in which landlords instructed reputable letting agencies to carry out tenancy checks, only to discover that their properties had been obtained by criminals.
Presented by reporter Hazel Martin, the programme speaks to 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 contributed case studies to the investigation and appears as an expert contributor, discussing the difficulties landlords face when criminals infiltrate their properties. The programme also explores why, even when there appears to be evidence that a property is being used for criminal activity, those responsible can escape prosecution, leaving landlords facing a lengthy and costly legal process to regain possession.
"These are not simply cases of tenants falling into arrears or breaching the terms of a tenancy," said Paul Shamplina, founder of Landlord Action (pictured).
"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."
He explained that victims of rental fraud can find themselves caught between two separate systems once the truth emerges. "When the truth emerges, the landlord can find themselves caught between the criminal justice system and the civil possession process," he said.
"In 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."
Shamplina has worked in the private rented sector for more than 30 years and founded Landlord Action in 1999. The regulated law firm specialises in tenancy disputes, property possession and debt recovery and has dealt with thousands of cases on behalf of landlords and letting agents.
Ahead of the Panorama broadcast, Shamplina will also appear on TalkTV at 3.30pm on Monday 20 July to discuss tenant fraud and the risks facing landlords and letting agents.
Panorama: There's a Gangster in My Flat will be broadcast at 8pm on tonight on BBC One and is also available on BBC iPlayer.
