Another person signed instead of true T

[NewbyLouis]

It was perfectly valid advice to be fair.

I wanted to second MTG's comments about ID. I always get my tenants to bring a photocopy of their ID and the ID itself when I check them in. I then check the photocopy against the original, hand the original back and keep the copy on file. 1 year after the T leaves the property, I delete the copy I hold.

Just a sensible precaution really. I have this old fashioned idea that I like to know who exactly is living in my property.

Thanks for adding clarity. I agree with your comments & that of LesleyAnne regarding witnessing that you pointed out. However, I would recommend that some of the regulars lay off the vino instead of trying to label every new person a troll because whilst under the influence they do not understand what the concern or issue is.

I have now sought proper advice/thoughts from helpful sources external of landlordzone to help me with the current situation today.

However, I will keep your comments in mind for the future when the need arisies again. Thanks

[GillsMan]

Thanks for that.

The support & advice you have given has been wonderful. What an excellent adversary you have been for landlordzone.co.uk

It was perfectly valid advice to be fair.

I wanted to second MTG's comments about ID. I always get my tenants to bring a photocopy of their ID and the ID itself when I check them in. I then check the photocopy against the original, hand the original back and keep the copy on file. 1 year after the T leaves the property, I delete the copy I hold.

Just a sensible precaution really. I have this old fashioned idea that I like to know who exactly is living in my property.

[NewbyLouis]

YOU should witness the tenant's signature, not some third party who you don't know, otherwise how do you know the witness is genuine, never mind the tenant?!?!

Thanks for that.

The support & advice you have given has been wonderful. What an excellent adversary you have been for landlordzone.co.uk

[NewbyLouis]

Got that lined up. New Tenancy Agreement coming but I suspect they will refuse to sign it or give further information.

Phone turned off at the moment which is why I think they are going for the 28 days.

[mind the gap]

That crossed my mind but I am sure its organised between "tenant" & tenants signature witness on Tenancy Agreement if not further people involved.

So make an appointment, go round there and ask them to verify who they are and check whether the names they give you match the photo ID and the names on the TA.

[LesleyAnne]

That crossed my mind but I am sure its organised between "tenant" & tenants signature witness on Tenancy Agreement if not further people involved.

YOU should witness the tenant's signature, not some third party who you don't know, otherwise how do you know the witness is genuine, never mind the tenant?!?!

[NewbyLouis]

I am struggling to make sense of the above, but I think it can safely be said that if they have moved in at your instigation and paid rent they are not squatters, but tenants.

If they have misrepresented their identities when they signed the agreement, you may have a case against them to obtain a Possession Order under section 8 - I'm not sure.

That crossed my mind but I am sure its organised between "tenant" & tenants signature witness on Tenancy Agreement if not further people involved.

[mind the gap]

Good question.

Past 28 days & you cant easily evict them as a squatter, prior to 28 days if you try to remove them as a squatter they can then say they have a legal Tenancy Agreement & get damages & court order.

At section 21 time I really havent thought about it in detail but I am sure there will be an angle or two on it.

I am struggling to make sense of the above, but I think it can safely be said that if they have moved in at your instigation and paid rent they are not squatters, but tenants.

If they have misrepresented their identities when they signed the agreement, you may have a case against them to obtain a Possession Order under section 8 - I'm not sure.

[NewbyLouis]

Good question.

Past 28 days & you cant easily evict them as a squatter, prior to 28 days if you try to remove them as a squatter they can then say they have a legal Tenancy Agreement & get damages & court order.

At section 21 time I really havent thought about it in detail but I am sure there will be an angle or two on it.

[mind the gap]

Did anyone witness the signatures? When we let our flat, we meet the T and get the TA and Inventory signed by them, before we sign it off ourselves in their presence.

Good idea (as long as they produce a passport or photo driving licence by way of ID check).

[LesleyAnne]

Did anyone witness the signatures? When we let our flat, we meet the T and get the TA and Inventory signed by them, before we sign it off ourselves in their presence.

We also have signature of the T on their credit reference form, and ask for a copy of their passport or photo driving licence, which we check against their original passport/licence when we meet them.

[mind the gap]

Why would they pay six months' rent upfront and then try to forge their signature or claim to be someone else?

Because they are cannabis farmers keen to avoid detection?

[bhaal]

Why would they pay six months' rent upfront and then try to forge their signature or claim to be someone else?

[Snorkerz]

Are you saying that the person who lives in the property is not the person who signed the tenancy agreement?

Or are you saying that the person who lives in the property is the person who signed the tenancy agreement, but may subsequently claim not to be?

Are you landlord or tenant? Why do you think this may be a problem?

[NewbyLouis]

Sorry, I don't know what you're trying to say. D'you mean the occupier of the house is not the same person who signed the AST contract, or what? And what are you worried about specifically?

That the person who is the "tenant" is not the same person who they pretended to be & not the person who signed the tenancy agreement or signed it with a different signature so they can claim it wasnt them at a later date should it suit their motive.