Lifestyle Club: Gian Paolo Aliatis

Gian Paolo Aliatis Mejia also admitted pressuring customers into signing a “membership agreement” without giving them time to read and understand the documents.

Gian Paolo Aliatis, the director of Lifestyle Club Ltd, recently pleaded guilty to three charges after Islington Council’s Trading Standards investigated his firm’s bogus claim that it was a members’ club. The company’s fraudulent activities included pressuring customers into signing a “membership agreement” without giving them sufficient time to read and understand the document, denying potential tenants the opportunity to view a property in person before agreeing to rent it, and passing off rental payments as a “monthly contribution fee” to remain part of the club.

The case highlights the importance of adhering to legal regulations and ethical practices in the rental market. The fraudulent activities of Lifestyle Club not only deceived customers but also circumvented important legal regulations that exist to protect tenants from unscrupulous landlords and letting agents.

The practice of presenting a rental property as a members’ club to bypass regulations is not new, and the case of Lifestyle Club highlights the dangers of this approach. By pretending to be a members’ club, the company was able to avoid the regulations governing letting agents, including requirements to register with a redress scheme and abide by codes of conduct.

Additionally, pressuring customers to sign agreements without providing sufficient time to read and understand the documents is highly unethical. Rental agreements are legally binding contracts that should be entered into with a clear understanding of the terms and conditions. Failing to provide customers with adequate time to review these agreements can lead to confusion and misunderstandings, resulting in potential legal issues.

Denying potential tenants the opportunity to view a property in person before agreeing to rent it is also highly problematic. Inspecting a property in person is an essential part of the rental process, as it allows potential tenants to assess the property's condition and suitability for their needs. Denying this opportunity can lead to tenants being placed in unsuitable properties or encountering issues with the property that were not apparent from online photos or descriptions.

The case of Paolo Aliatis and Lifestyle Club Ltd highlights the importance of adhering to ethical practices and legal regulations in the rental market. As a tenant or landlord, it is crucial to be aware of your rights and responsibilities and to ensure that any agreements you enter into are transparent, fair, and legally binding. By doing so, you can help to prevent fraudulent behavior and promote ethical and responsible practices in the rental market.

He also operates other firms one of which is BRKV London, a private investment group, specializing in the development of small businesses and new concepts. As per website BRKV is private investment group of battle hardened entrepreneurs who operate in multiple countries and industries and do so speaking several different languages. Our industry portfolio includes everything from property to healthcare, from hospitality to technology and we are always on the lookout for the next big thing.

Author's Note

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2019/aug/13/landmark-verdict-over-letting-agency-that-posed-as-a-club

Court Transcript Found:
https://www.calameo.com/books/006843095413f2cbf2b1f