A BBC Panorama investigation has highlighted how criminal gangs are using false identities and references to gain control of rental properties, leaving landlords facing lengthy legal battles to regain possession.

The programme, There’s a Gangster in My Flat, featured property owners whose homes were turned into a drugs factory and a brothel, while another property was illegally sublet and extensively damaged after criminals obtained tenancies.

Paul Shamplina, founder of legal specialist Landlord Action, appeared in the investigation as an expert contributor and provided case studies to discuss the difficulties landlords face when criminals infiltrate their properties.

He said: “These are not simply cases of tenants falling into arrears or breaching the terms of a tenancy. Rental fraud can involve fake tenants using false documents to secure properties, as well as people posing as landlords or letting agents to collect rent and deposits for properties they do not own.

“We also see professional rogue tenants moving from one property to another, using false identities and references and leaving landlords with significant rent arrears and legal costs. The cases featured in this programme show the devastating consequences landlords can face when criminals gain access to rental properties.”

The programme also examined why suspected criminal activity at rented properties can fail to result in prosecutions.

Shamplina said: “When the truth emerges, the landlord can find themselves caught between the criminal justice system and the civil possession process. In my experience, reports of suspected rental fraud are not always acted upon, with some treated as civil disputes. Meanwhile, the landlord can still face months of legal proceedings before they are able to take back control.”

Shamplina urged landlords and letting agents to remain vigilant throughout a tenancy rather than relying solely on referencing checks.

“Referencing alone cannot eliminate every risk,” he said. “Landlords and agents must remain alert throughout the tenancy and act quickly if they suspect a property is being sublet or used for criminal purposes.

“Once criminals have gained control of a property, recovering it can be an extremely difficult, lengthy and costly process. Panorama shines an important light on what is happening and the devastating impact it can have on the property owners involved.”

Panorama: There’s a Gangster in My Flat was broadcast at 8pm on Monday 20 July on BBC One and is also available on BBC iPlayer.