Just in case you are feeling a bit spooked at this point, I’m not talking about supernatural entities such as poltergeists haunting your properties. No, I am referring to tenants who are not supposed to be living there. Or in other words…
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…ghost tenants.
What are Ghost Tenants?
Ghost tenants sub-let space in a rental property from the person who is officially listed on the tenancy agreement. In some cases it is a temporary arrangement—perhaps your tenant has a friend sleeping on the sofa for a few weeks until they are able to secure their own place. However, in many cases, tenants living in popular areas are sub-letting space in rental properties as a way of making income.
The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC) has found that over-occupation in some homes is a major problem. A spot check on one three-bedroom flat revealed that up to 30 people were sharing the property and sleeping there in shifts.
Problems Caused by Ghost Tenants
It is very important that landlords keep a close eye on their properties and make regular checks. Ghost tenants can cause significant wear and tear on a property, simply by virtue of the fact that large numbers of people are using the property.