TTPS Urging Landlords To Conduct Proper Screening of Tenants, After Elderly Woman Kidnapped In San Juan

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The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is urging landlords in Trinidad and Tobago to consider risk management, legal compliance and proper screening when leasing their property. This follows the kidnapping of an elderly female landlord from her home in San Juan on Wednesday night (25th March, 2026), by one of her tenants and his accomplices. The woman was thankfully rescued several hours later from a vessel at sea during a co-ordinated intelligence-led operation.

The TTPS notes that, “A strong vetting process upfront (especially Certificate of Character and Immigration checks) will save you serious stress, legal costs and property damage later.”

Follow these safety tips when leasing property:

  • Conduct background checks on potential tenants. Require every adult tenant to provide a recent Certificate of Character and two (2) valid forms of ID.
  • Use a properly drafted written lease agreement. Have a local attorney review or draft it to match Trinidad and Tobago's laws.
  • Screen for financial stability and reliability. Ask for a job letter or proof of income, recent pay-slips or bank statements and references from previous landlords.
  • Inspect and document everything before tenants move in.
  • Verify immigration status for non-nationals. If renting to foreigners, ensure they are legally permitted to reside in Trinidad and Tobago and adhere to all Immigration laws and requirements.

According to reports, 73-year-old landlord Tara Poliah was abducted by a Venezuelan tenant and several accomplices from her home along Don Miguel Road in San Juan, shortly after 7:00 PM on Wednesday night (25th March, 2026). Poliah’s kidnapping was captured on CCTV footage, which also showed her abductors bundling her into a white Nissan AD wagon (PEA 3592), before fleeing the scene.

A total of eleven (11) suspects are currently in custody in connection with the incident.

Investigations are continuing.

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