It is learnt that the Mapusa police has reportedly arrested 105 tenants and issued prohibitory orders against respective landlords for failing to adhere to tenant verification, during a tenant verification drive that lasted for two days. The question that arises is whether it is proper to arrest the tenants for not fulfilling the requirement. It is pertinent to note that tenant verification involves a background check to ensure that tenants have no prior police charges, criminal records or any other red flag.
With the rise in crimes involving persons from other states in, the Goa police have started document verification drives at Railway stations and other colonies. Potential tenants must first fill out an application form that the landlord provides. The tenant cannot be in the wrong if the requisite form is not provided by the landlord. The onus of providing tenant verification should hence lie on the landlord. The landlord has the option of not renting out the premises if the prospective tenant fails to provide the necessary details.
It must be said that not all tenants have a criminal record. There could be instances wherein a tenant has absolutely no criminal background but could be arrested for not adhering to tenant verification. It is observed that tenant verification is done mostly for the labour class and those belonging to the low income group. However a fugitive on the run could also be staying in a rented flat in a posh housing colony.
