Sub-letting is becoming increasingly common in the private rented sector (PRS), the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC) has warned.
The organisation has pointed to research by Direct Line that claims there are currently 3.3 million unofficial tenants or ‘ghost renters’ in the UK at present.
Meanwhile, close to half of letting agents have found sub-letting was taking place after carrying out checks on the properties under their management.
Direct Line’s research said the majority (75 per cent) of ghost tenants have been living in a property for more than six months.
Pat Barber, AIIC chair, stated: “The sheer cost of renting in some parts of the UK has driven some tenants to kip on a mates’ spare room, or in more sinister circumstances, multiple sub-tenants inhabit a property over time.”
She warned that sub-letting can be problematic for letting agents and landlords, causing damage to properties that may be very costly to repair.
Ms Barber said it is vital rental homes are regularly checked to ensure ghost tenants are not resident.
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