Police warn property owners over rise in rental fraud

Property owners must exercise extreme caution as an increase in organised crime and fraudulent activities within lodges, houses, and commercial buildings offered on a rental or lease basis is observed.

Police Headquarters issued a statement noting that individuals or groups acquiring property on a short-term or long-term basis use these premises for criminal purposes in ways owners never anticipate.

The official statement from Police Headquarters explains that various fraudulent acts occur within premises such as lodges, commercial buildings, and apartments obtained on lease.

It is vital for owners to be careful when renting out such places, as they frequently face various problems and even criminal charges when their property serves as a base for crime.

Observations during the past year and so far in 2026 show a numerical increase in arrests involving foreign nationals staying in apartment complexes, hotels, and lodges in violation of the Immigrants and Emigrants Act.

These individuals secretly carry out online financial fraud using computers and technical equipment.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration alongside the Sri Lanka Police already initiated legal action against such offenders.

Citizens must be aware of the following to protect themselves:

Every citizen should know that under Section 76 of the Police Ordinance, Police possess the power to obtain information on all persons residing in any house.

The head of the household must provide information regarding family members, servants, and temporary residents to the relevant police station.

The head of the household or property owner is bound to inform the relevant police station whenever a change in residents occurs, such as new members arriving or others leaving.

Failure to do so under the aforementioned sections constitutes a punishable offence.

Information regarding such places or persons can be reported quickly to the Police through Public Relief Committee members established in every police area.

Owners can minimise potential fraud and avoid legal complications by always being attentive to the identity and requirements of those seeking to rent or lease their property.

The Sri Lanka Police continue operations to arrest such criminals and request the public to immediately inform the nearest police station or call 118 and 119 regarding local or foreign traffickers and any illegal or anti-social activities.