Can Landlords Use Private Detectives?

Becoming a landlord should be an exciting prospect, especially as property can be a fantastic way to generate income.

However, the realities of housing tenants can be anything but at times. As a landlord, endless issues could leave you out of pocket, not to mention incredibly stressed until they are resolved. 

In situations where you need to prove certain activity is taking place at your property, or even track down previous tenants who owe you money, a private detective may be able to help you.

That said, there are some things to consider before hiring a private detective to investigate current, potential or ex-tenants. 

Here’s a further explanation of what these considerations are, along with some of the ways private investigators can help landlords specifically. 

Landlords And Private Detectives: What You Need To Know

Landlords can use private detectives, so long as there is a genuine reason to investigate someone. If you’re in any doubt, we will determine the legality of your case when you contact us here at Reveal PI. 

There are certain investigative activities that require a license, in line with the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Reveal PI is both accredited and insured, meaning we offer a legal, transparent, and professional service for landlords. 

Do be aware that not acting in accordance with the law to undertake tenant investigations could put the landlord at fault. For this reason, we recommend only hiring accredited private investigators as a landlord in need of any investigative work. 

As noted above, we will only proceed with a potential case if it meets certain legal and ethical criteria for your peace of mind. 

Want to find out more about our work? Read the Reveal PI blog where we cover information about personal or corporate private investigations in greater detail. 

How Can A Private Investigator Help Landlords?

When frustrated or anxious landlords Google ‘hire a private investigator UK’, understandably they want answers, not to mention action fast. 

Though it’s always helpful to know how a private investigator can actually help you to make sure you get the right expertise. 

First and foremost, a private investigator will bring a range of strategies and tools to the table to help ensure your investigation is carried out professionally, and in accordance with the law. 

As well as residential property, private investigators can also assist landlords who own commercial property. 

In terms of the specific services offered, here are some of the main reasons why a landlord would need to hire a private detective.

To Perform Background Checks

Tenant background checks can be carried out by a private investigator to reduce the risks for landlords. After all, these individuals will be living in your property or renting out your commercial space to run a business.

Some of the details a private investigator can uncover are the renting history and financial history.

Without the correct knowledge or data tracing facilities, it can be difficult for landlords to discover relevant information themselves, which is where the services of a private investigator can be invaluable. 

Rent Recovery

Recent data suggests 71% of landlords have reported having at least one tenant in rent arrears. 

So what should you do if a tenant doesn’t pay their rent? 

Initial steps to recover rent or damage as a landlord can include speaking with the tenant or even contacting your insurer. 

But when these avenues prove fruitless, you may require the assistance of a private investigator to gather vital information to present in court. 

Services such as person tracing can also be extremely useful to track down previous tenants who are in debt to landlords. 

Tenant Investigations

If your tenant is acting in defiance of a rental contract or even the law, you must provide evidence to be able to support your case. 

Subletting is just one notable example that can be difficult to prove without the right expertise. Though, there can be endless other issues which you may also be dealing with as a landlord too.

Similar to tenant background checks, private investigators can also assist with tenant investigations. 

Evictions

As a landlord, evictions can be extremely stressful not to mention costly. That’s because while rent isn’t being paid you are losing money. 

But when it comes to arranging evictions, or even proving illegal activity at your property, it can be really difficult to get the evidence especially as there is legislation preventing landlords from attending the property unannounced. 

A private investigator can assist with evictions by serving legal documents (process serving) and conducting surveillance activities. 

Any evidence that is gathered by our private detectives will be admissible in court as we ensure our techniques are compliant and focus on information that we know will add credibility to your case. Plus, we operate in a way which is fully legal, which is also essential where evictions are concerned. 

As A Landlord, When Should I Contact A Private Investigator? 

• Before letting a property to a potential tenant to reduce risk for yourself as a landlord, or if you have any doubts about previous information submitted.  
• When you require specialist surveillance, person tracing or process serving services.
• If you have been advised by the police or courts that you need to provide evidence of certain activities.
• If you have exhausted all other options and want to find out if a private investigator could help you reach a quicker resolution to your case. 

Private Investigators For Landlords – Find Private Detectives Near Me 

Are you a UK based landlord in search of a private investigator?

Get the right expertise by your side when you work with us here at Reveal PI. 

From tenant background checks to tracking down ex-tenants who owe you money, there are lots of ways a private investigator can help you reach the next stage of the process. 

Reveal PI provides specialist services to landlords in cities such as Birmingham, London, Liverpool, Manchester and Wolverhampton. 
To find out how we can assist you as a landlord, please fill out our contact form. Alternatively, you can also give us a call on 0330 808 9946.