‘Professional tenants’ trash home and avoid rent for 2 years. Taxpayers chip in $23K but landlord must cover all costs

Core Insights - The article highlights the challenges faced by landlords in Massachusetts due to a rise in fraudulent tenant activities, exemplified by the case of Bryan Coombes and Nicole Inserra, who have a history of evictions and bankruptcy filings [1][2][3][27]. Group 1: Tenant Fraud and Its Impact - A significant number of landlords (93.3%) reported experiencing fraud in the past year, with 70.7% noting an increase in fraudulent applications and payments, averaging a 40% rise compared to the previous year [6]. - Common fraudulent tactics include falsifying pay stubs (84.3%), misrepresenting information on applications (80%), and identity theft (70%) [7]. - The financial repercussions are severe, with landlords writing off an average of nearly $4.2 million in bad debt, with about a quarter attributed to fraud-related nonpayment [8]. Group 2: Eviction Costs and Legal Challenges - Eviction costs for landlords typically range from $3,500 to $10,000, factoring in legal fees, court costs, and lost rent, with costs potentially higher in tenant-friendly states [9][10]. - The case of the Burlington landlord illustrates the extensive financial burden, which included legal fees and moving expenses, leading to significant debt [10][27]. Group 3: State Assistance and Regulatory Concerns - The article raises concerns about how tenants with multiple prior evictions qualified for $23,000 in state rental assistance, highlighting potential gaps in oversight [10][11]. - Emergency rental assistance programs, which expanded during COVID-19, have faced issues with fraudulent claims, further complicating the landscape for landlords [11][12]. Group 4: Recommendations for Landlords - Landlords are advised to implement rigorous screening processes, including independent verification of employment and background checks, to mitigate risks associated with fraudulent tenants [13][14][28]. - Awareness of legal challenges in tenant-friendly states is crucial for landlords to navigate potential disputes effectively [28].