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A real estate agent was shocked to discover that one of the houses he manages was being occupied by six strangers.
Amir Jahan, 25, the owner of A-Class Estate Agents, visited the two-bedroom, two-bathroom rental property in Merrylands, western Sydney, after the landlord was unable to reach the tenant.
Upon arrival, Mr. Jahan found the tenant missing, but the house was far from abandoned. Six people were living there, having reached a ‘rental agreement’ with someone they believed to be the landlord.
It turned out the tenant was posing as the landlord and subletting the property for a profit—a common scam, according to Mr. Jahan.
“I went to check on the tenant’s welfare and found six other people living there,” he told Daily Mail Australia.
When Mr. Jahan asked one of the occupants about the tenant, they replied, “We went through him; he is the owner.”
Amir Jahan, 25, (pictured) urges renters to be vigilant about illegal subletting.
Mr. Jahan explained to the occupants that their supposed landlord was actually the tenant.
Feeling sorry for the misled and overcharged six residents, Mr. Jahan now warns prospective tenants about rogue subletters who rent properties for much higher rates than they pay the landlord.
“The lease was for $450 a week, but the tenant listed it on Facebook Marketplace for $750 a week,” Mr. Jahan said.
He expressed concern for the six people living there without a contract, who now face eviction and the stress of finding new accommodation.
Mr. Jahan noted the growing prevalence of such scams as people become desperate for housing.
“When people aren’t approved by real estate agencies, they turn to services like Facebook Marketplace, which is free for both owners and tenants,” he said.
“Some rent properties and immediately sublet them for more money.”
His team is working hard to find new accommodations for the six students involved, but only three have secured new tenancies so far.
Mr. Jahan has no problem with private rentals but urges tenants to ensure they have a contract and are dealing with the owner, not a subletter.
“Without a contract and being non-principal tenants, their situation is considered a break-in, so we don’t have to give them notice to leave,” he explained. However, the landlord, being considerate, allowed them to stay temporarily.
Despite the landlord’s kindness, they are following legal procedures, which include sending a termination notice to the original renter, who remains uncontactable.
“If we don’t hear back from him after 14 days, his lease will be terminated,” Mr. Jahan said.
The six occupants, who have been living there for at least six months, could take the subletter to tribunal, but without a contract, it would be challenging to win.
“They had no paperwork, no bond, no deposit, and no contract,” Mr. Jahan said.
He emphasizes the importance of having a contract.
“I know it’s sometimes hard to get approved the right way, but it’s crucial,” he advised. “Make sure you’re renting through the owner or have a contract with the owner. Don’t be blind out of desperation.”
Mr. Jahan also mentioned the rising trend of subletting and Airbnb listings.
“Some people use their rentals as full-time Airbnb properties, while others seek extra income,” he said.
“Tenants could be paying $600-a-week rent in Parramatta’s CBD and list it for $600 a night on weekends.”
Mr. Jahan stressed that tenants must obtain the owner’s permission to sublet.
“I’ve seen a lot of this over the years, but it’s becoming more frequent,” he said. “I’ve even encountered situations where apartments were rented and used as brothels.”
Mr Jahan (pictured) said he doesn’t have a problem with private rentals but has urged prospective tenants to always get a contract and make sure they are dealing with the owner and not a subletter
SOURCE: THE DAILY MAIL