The Signs that Your Rental Property is Going to Pot 🌿
As cannabis popularity increases, its cultivation in rental properties has become more common. This brings significant downsides. From property damage and legal complications to community safety concerns and environmental strain, the negative impacts of cannabis cultivation in rentals are profound and has led to the police to issue a 16 point guide
The practice of growing cannabis in rental properties has become more common and here at Cope & Co., we have had past experiences in dealing with this issue. It's essential to understand the significant downsides it brings to local communities and property owners.
The police have issued a 16-point guide for landlords to identify and guard against their properties being used as cannabis farms. This follows the jailing of a man for the production of a Class B drug following reports that a cannabis factory had been set up inside a residential property in Northamptonshire.
This blog delves into the negative impacts of cultivating cannabis in rental properties and details the signs that landlords and agents can look out for to identify any possible issues.
Property Damage and Maintenance Issues
Cannabis cultivation requires specific environmental conditions, such as high humidity and intense lighting, which can lead to substantial property damage. Common issues include mould growth, electrical system overloads, and structural damage. These problems can result in high repair costs for landlords, who may face financial strain and increased insurance premiums.
Community Impact and Public Safety Concerns
Cannabis cultivation in residential areas can negatively impact community perceptions of safety and desirability. Increased traffic, strong odours, and potential criminal activity associated with cannabis grows can create tension among neighbours. These factors can decrease property values and make communities less attractive to potential residents.
We would encourage both members of the public and landlords to take a look at the signs below and advise the police of anything suspicious which may indicate a cannabis factory is being set up or in operation in order that they can take it down and prosecute those responsible for setting it up.
Signs to Look For
- Curtains and windows closed and drawn, even in hot weather;
- Strange comings and goings from the address with vehicles attending very late at night;
- Smells coming from the address that could indicate cannabis is being grown;
- Light coming from roof spaces or leaking through the building in odd places;
- Sounds of fans constantly running in the address;
- Cables running to and from lampposts nearby;
- Rubbish bags full of garden related waste;
- Occupants and visitors who are rarely seen, except at odd hours of the day;
- Condensation on the windows;
- Copious amounts of fertiliser being taken to the address at odd times.
Advice to landlords:
- Be mindful of the need to conduct regular inspections of the properties you are letting out;
- Be sure you are happy with the identity of the tenants before you let out the address and confirm they are the people living there and not sub-letting.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our team.
