Fraudulent activity was detected during the referencing process

[Tim35]

Hi,

For both the employee reference check and letting history, my vetted tenants report came back:

There is substantial evidence to suggest that the referee is unreliable:

1. It appears the applicant or co-applicant has completed their referee form to
   confirm their letting history. We’d strongly advise doing further checks if you
   decide to proceed with the applicant.

2. Fraudulent activity was detected during the referencing process.

Do both these points mean the tenant likely just sent the referee form to themselves? Could someone please elaborate on the second point in particular?

Is this grounds to deduct some costs from the holding deposit?

Thanks.

[tatemono]

some costs? AFAIK, you either return it all or retain it all. I would say that as this has been flagged by a third party, you’re within your rights. But I’m wondering if words like “appears” in the text imply that you can’t be 100% sure.

Either way, I wouldn’t be letting to them.