Hyderabad, July 15 -- Landlords in Hyderabad could face legal action, including hefty penalties and sealing of premises, if they rent out properties without getting tenants verified and the premises are later found linked to illegal activities, the police said.

With the Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Malkajgiri police intensifying verification drives across residential colonies, apartment complexes and lodges, officials have asked landlords to ensure every tenant undergoes mandatory police verification before moving in.

Officials said failure to register tenants invites strict action, and if rented premises are found being used for offences such as drug trafficking, gambling, prostitution, cyber fraud or sheltering undocumented persons, the o...