New warning on commercial cannabis farms

There has been another rise in the number of commercial cannabis farms in the UK, the National Landlords Association has revealed.

Although the rise has stabilised somewhat, 7865 cannabis farms were identified nationally in 2011 and 2012, an increase of 15% from 2009 and 2010.

Unfortunately, many cannabis growers choose to cultivate their crops in properties within the private-rented sector.

While police are working with private landlords to tackle this illegal activity, landlords should be vigilant and follow best practice to avoid being the victim of drug crime.

By following these steps, landlords can help prevent their property being used for criminal activity:

* Carry out thorough checks on potential tenants. NLA Tenant Check is a professional referencing service which carries out comprehensive credit and background checks. These will highlight any abnormalities that should set alarm bells ringing;
* Don’t take six months’ rent up front – it could be a sign the tenant wants to be left alone to engage in illegal activity;
* Communicate with your tenants and check on the property often.  This should be done quarterly where possible but be sure to give the tenant sufficient notice;
* Get to know the neighbours around the property and ask them to keep an eye out for anything suspicious.

Landlords should look out for the following signs of drug cultivation:

* Strong smell of deodourisers or air fresheners to disguise the smell of drug production;
* Lights being left on all day and night and curtains and blinds drawn;
* A sudden jump or fall in electricity bills;
* Possible rewiring of the property;
* High humidity in the property;
* People coming and going at the property at odd times of the day;
* Safety hazards. Properties can become a fire hazard because of amateur electrical wiring and the heat involved in the production of the plants.

The NLA said that it was important for landlords to remember that the onus was on them to know what is going on in their property; if not they may find themselves responsible for utility bills, or facing huge repair bills if their property is used in the production of illegal substances.

Richard Lambert, CEO of the National Landlords Association, said: “Cannabis farms are a continual threat to landlords and despite carrying out the necessary checks, we regularly hear of cases where landlords’ properties are used for illegal purposes.

“To help limit the risk of rented properties being used as cannabis factories, the NLA advises landlords to take full references from their tenants, avoid taking long term rents up-front, check on the property often and get to know the neighbours in the area and encourage them to report anything suspicious.”