A forged tenancy agreement is a serious issue that landlords and tenants alike should be aware of. It occurs when someone creates a fake tenancy agreement, either by stealing a legitimate agreement or making one from scratch, with the intention of deceiving the other party.

This type of fraud can lead to many problems for both the landlord and the tenant. For example, if the tenant has signed a forged tenancy agreement, they may believe they have the right to live in the property and pay rent. However, the landlord may not even be aware of the agreement and may have rented the property to someone else.

Similarly, if a landlord believes they have a legitimate tenancy agreement with a tenant who has forged it, they may not be able to legally evict the tenant and may face legal repercussions if they attempt to do so.

To protect yourself from forged tenancy agreements, there are a few steps you can take:

1. Verify the identity of the other party. Before signing a tenancy agreement, make sure you know who you are renting from or to. Ask for identification and verify their information.

2. Check the authenticity of the agreement. Look for any signs that the agreement may be forged, such as spelling errors or inconsistencies in the text. You can also compare the agreement to a sample agreement from a trusted source.

3. Use a reputable agent. If you are unsure about the authenticity of a tenancy agreement, consider using a reputable real estate agent or lawyer to help you navigate the process.

4. Keep copies of all documents. Make sure to keep a copy of the tenancy agreement, as well as any other documents related to the rental process, such as receipts for rent payments.

By taking these steps, you can help protect yourself from fraud and ensure that you have a legitimate tenancy agreement with the other party. If you suspect that you have been the victim of a forged tenancy agreement, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.