UK Property: AI Fuels Tenancy Fraud in New Report
Goodlord’s new report reveals AI is making it easier to forge payslips and bank statements, increasing tenancy fraud risks in the UK.
A new report titled “Tenancy fraud is no joke” by Goodlord highlights a rising threat to the UK property market regarding rental applications. The study reviewed a sample of over one million completed references spanning the period from April 2023 to July 2026. The findings indicate that the accessibility of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly lowered the barrier for creating convincing fraudulent documents.
The report specifically identifies that AI tools now make it easier than ever to generate fake payslips, bank statements, and employment references. These fabricated documents are increasingly being used to deceive landlords and letting agents during the tenant referencing process. The data suggests a critical shift in how fraudsters operate within the UK lettings sector.
Oli Sherlock, the managing director of insurance at Goodlord, is cited in the report regarding these findings. The analysis underscores the urgent need for the industry to adapt its verification methods to counter sophisticated digital forgery. As AI technology evolves, the risk of successful tenancy fraud attempts continues to grow for the UK rental market.