MARGAO: In a proactive effort to curb thefts, assaults, and other criminal activities, police stations across South Goa have ramped up their tenant verification drives. As a result, 24,123 tenant verification forms have been registered from January to July 21, 2024, according to South Goa Superintendent of Police Sunita Sawant.
This increase in tenant verification follows a notable trend observed last year, when 37,431 forms were filed during the first eleven months of 2023. SP Sawant highlighted that several police stations in the South Goa district have reported a marked rise in tenant verification forms, which involve background checks to ensure that tenants have no prior police charges or criminal records.
According to available data, the highest number of tenant verification forms this year were filed by the Verna Police Station, with 4,630 forms, followed by Mardol Police Station with 2,527 forms and Cuncolim Police Station with 2,503 forms.
The Goa (Verification of Tenants) Bill, 2021, emphasises the importance of tenant verification and mandates stricter penalties for landlords, tenants, or property owners who fail to submit tenant details to the local police. Violators can face fines, and landlords will be legally responsible for any illegal activities committed by tenants on their premises.
Retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) highlighted that property owners who rent out their premises without proper tenant verification could face legal repercussions and jeopardise their rental income.
In addition, police stations are creating databases of migrant labourers in their jurisdictions and have also instructed managements of lodges and hotels in South Goa to retain photocopies of identification documents for guests even after they leave. This measure aims to address issues related to criminals posing as labourers and renting private accommodations, especially in coastal areas.
