Landlords targeted by criminal gangs highlighted in Panorama investigation

Landlords who find their flats have been taken over by criminal gangs were featured in a BBC Panorama programme due to be broadcast last night.

One flat was turned into a drugs factory, another became a brothel, and a third was sublet and ransacked.

Panorama reporter Hazel Martin speaks to flat owners who paid reputable agencies to do tenancy checks, but still ended up handing over their keys to criminals using fake IDs and references.

One landlord tells the programme called ‘There’s a Gangster in My Flat’ there are “zero repercussions” for anyone cheating the system.

Featured heavily

OpenRent is featured heavily with Panorama reporter Hazel Martin attempting unsuccessfully to get a fake ID application approved.

The letting agency says in a comment on the programme that it isn’t accountable for identity checks, and The Neg has approached OpenRent for further comment.

“Devastating consequences”

Paul Shamplina, of Landlord Action, is interviewed on the programme, saying: “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.

“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.”

Remain alert

He went on to say: “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.”

The Panorama programme is available to view on BBC iPlayer here