Preventing Property Fraud
Landlords should be aware of the risks of fraud on their property.
Your property is probably the most valuable asset that you own. It can be sold and mortgaged to raise money and is therefore an attractive target for fraudsters.
Buy-to-let properties are common targets for property fraudsters. In particular, the fraudster may target rented properties where:
– the landlord owner is known not to occupy the property because it is let out; and/or the landlord owner’s contact address and the property description on the register at Land Registry are the same and this is not where the landlord is living.
Fraudsters aim to acquire title to a property either by using a forged transfer or by impersonating the registered owner. They will then raise money through a mortgage on the property without that owner’s knowledge. After receiving the monies from the mortgage, the fraudster will commonly disappear without making any repayments.
Land Registry is committed to eradicating property fraud and we work alongside the police and other agencies to help ensure the risk is managed.
Land Registry is responsible for keeping a register of title to land throughout England and Wales. On behalf of the Crown, we guarantee title to registered estates and interests in land. We are also responsible for recording dealings with registered land and providing ready access to up-to-date land information, so enabling confident dealings in property and security of title.
What landlords can do to protect their property
If your property is registered at Land Registry then it is very important that you keep your contact details (‘address for service’) with us up-to-date. Your address for service is important because this is the address we may write to or send official notices when we receive an application concerning your property.
Updating your address for service is free and easy to do.
– You do not need a solicitor.
If your property is not registered, consider applying for voluntary first registration.
In addition to doing credit checks and referencing, you or your letting agent should always satisfy yourselves of the true identity of tenant applicants by carrying out additional identity checks.
If your property is empty you should inspect it periodically for evidence of unauthorised entry.
Land Registry provides the following free information that explains what to do in more detail:-
– Public Guide 2 – Keeping your address for service up to date explains how to apply to update an address for service.
– Public Guide 17 – How to safeguard against property fraud explains what property owners can do to help protect themselves against this type of fraud.
Both guides are available free of charge from our website www.landregistry.gov.uk or from any local Land Registry office.
In addition to doing credit checks and referencing, you or your letting agent should always satisfy yourselves of the true identity of tenant applicants by carrying out additional identity checks.
If your property is empty you should inspect it periodically for evidence of unauthorised entry.
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