Prevent fraud through pre-tenancy checks

The Department of Building and Housing (DBH) has noted a substantial increase in such reports.

"The department has recently become aware of substantial bonds and rent in advance being paid to a property manager, and then being unable to move into the property or to trace their landlord and the money they've paid," says DBH's manager client services, Jeff Montgomery.

"This is fraud and these tenants have, quite rightly, gone to the police. We encourage anyone who finds themselves in this situation to do the same or call the department for advice," he says.

DBH suggests prospective tenants carry out pre-tenancy checks to prevent this kind of fraud.