Cuckooing is a heartless crime that puts your tenant’s wellbeing at risk and leaves you, as the landlord, facing an array of legal issues.
So, if you own a rental property, here’s what you need to know.
What is it?
The term ‘cuckooing’ refers to when a criminal gang moves into someone’s home and uses the property for illegal purposes.
How it starts
Criminals tend to target vulnerable people, be they lonely, elderly, intellectually disabled or on the breadline.
One way or another, be it with false promises, gifts, loans of money or threats, a crook wheedles their way into the vulnerable person’s property and makes themselves at home.
Soon enough, other gang members turn up and start using the property as an HQ for illegal activities, such as drug dealing, drug manufacture, the sale of stolen goods or prostitution.
If the tenant objects or asks the gang to leave, they’re threatened or subjected to violence.
A growing threat
Unfortunately, cuckooing has become more common in recent years, prompting the National Residential Landlords Association and several police forces in the country to issue warnings on the subject.
Impact
Cuckooing can turn a person’s life upside down and shatter their physical and mental health. In most cases, the victim must also find safe, alternative accommodation (sometimes under the Witness Protection Scheme).
The implications for the landlord of the property can also be far-reaching and complex. Along with rectifying property damage (which an insurer may refuse to cover because it was caused by criminal activity), there are legal implications.
The landlord could come under police investigation. If the authorities suspect they ignored illegal activity, criminal proceedings may follow. (The penalties in such cases can include imprisonment, community service and the confiscation of rent.)
How to protect your property
- Maintain a good relationship with your tenants and stay in regular contact. Don’t brush it under the carpet if they stop responding to your messages.
- Conduct regular property inspections.
- Be on the lookout for suspicious activity. Signs of concern include unusual smells, and an increase in visitors to the property or cars parking nearby.
- Pay attention to complaints from neighbours. Their insights can give you valuable clues as to what is going on in the property.
- If you suspect illegal activity, be proactive and contact the police. Keep a record of all contact you have with the authorities.
- Get a professional on board; use the services of a letting agent.
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