Landlords culpable, too, in rental fraud

Stefanie Wilson's May 28 letter was right on. There are too many individuals who learn how to "play the system" and take full advantage. It's a sad day when administrators admit to fraud being committed, and their lack of accountability is disgusting.

Just another example of lack of responsibility of people being paid to do their jobs. But to be fair, I believe responsibility also lies with the owners/landlords for not checking their rental properties periodically. But these people prefer to sit back, and as long as the rent keeps coming, they are also playing the system. Ignorance of not knowing just who is living in their property is no excuse. This is also fraud where I come from.

In my condo association the board requires a copy of the lease for every rental property, along with a list of the names of the occupants along with the make and model cars as well as license plate numbers.

If there are other people living there who are not reported, the landlord is also committing fraud. Lease agreements usually are valid for one year, and no landlord is obligated to renew a lease if they chose not to do so. But, of course, it's much easier when the rent money arrives automatically, and one does not have to keep hounding the tenants for payment. And the beat goes on.

Rose Sweeney

Glendale Heights