The subsequent damage to landlords, in both financial and legal terms, can be catastrophic. This is particularly the case for uninsured landlords who may find themselves having to foot the bill for extensive repairs to their properties.
Home grown: scale of the problem
According to recent reports, 94% of cannabis farms (also known as factories or grows) have been located in domestic premises.
Weathering the storm: damage and impact on landlords
Landlords who have been the victims of this type of criminal activity have reported damage of the following nature to their properties.
• Ceilings and walls knocked through and floorboards ripped out.
• Severe water damage.
• Fire and explosion.
• Furniture destroyed or thrown away.
• Wiring ripped out.
• Electricity meters bypassed.
Additionally, landlords could also face prosecution if their properties have been used as a cannabis farm.
Litmus test: dos and don'ts
As a landlord there are some steps you can take to weed out tenants who may be involved in this activity.
Do:
• Do carry out in-depth tenant checks.
Insist on photographic identification for all tenants (ensure it is not altered).
Obtain references from previous. landlords and employers for all tenants.
Check tenants' current address.
Watch out for utility bills in different names.
• Do be wary of tenants who show an unusual interest in the electricity supply.
• Do be alert to tenants who wish to move in very quickly.
• Do carry out regular inspection visits of the property.
• Do note down car registration numbers
• Do take mobile telephone numbers of all tenants.
Don't:
• Don't accept cash in advance for rent, deposits or administration fees.
• Don't comply with requests not to visit the property.
• Don't offer short-term lets.
• Don't be fooled by a 'front couple'.
• Don't forget to communicate with your neighbours regularly.
• Don't allow your property to become 'invisible' - trim hedges, ensure you have a visible house number.
Fertile ground: tell-tale signs
Although all properties are at risk, cannabis gangs are more likely to set up 'home' in a house rather than a flat as they require space to cultivate their plants. Additionally, these gangs tend to favour secluded properties in areas where this little through traffic, such as cul-de-sacs.
Paranoid behaviour and excessive fortification (internal and external) could tip you off that your buy-to-let property is being used as a cannabis farm. However, there are additional warning signs to look out for.
• Silver ducting tape hanging out of windows.
• Gas cylinders.
• Bin bags filled with vegetation.
• Pungent smell.
• Humidity - condensation on windows, peeling wallpaper, mildewed walls.
• Sudden increases and decreases in electricity bills.
• Electrical wiring tampered with.
• Powerful lights on day and night.
• Blocked out windows.
• Unusual amount of activity when tenants first move in.
• A large number of visitors (day and night).
• Noise.
• Plants, lights and reflective materials.
• Bulbs, soil, fertiliser.
• Bubble bags.
• Scales.
• Self-seal bags.
• Low level hanging equipment.
• Excessive use of deodorisers and air freshener.
• Flasks, beakers, rubber tubing.
What to do if you suspect your property is being used as a cannabis farm
If you suspect that your property is being used as a cannabis farm, contact your local police. Do not confront your tenants.
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