Cannabis Farms On The Up

Commercial cannabis farms have been a big problem for many years, but there is evidence of a growing number of criminals using homes in the private rented sector as a place to cultivate their cash crop. The problem is that cannabis farms represent a huge problem for landlords, not least because the landlord can be made criminally liable if they turn a blind eye.

So how can you spot if one of your properties has been turned into a cannabis farm?

Spot the Signs of Cannabis Farms
• Lights on day and night
• Curtains and blinds drawn all day
• Suspicious comings and goings at odd times
• Distinctive sweet smell

People hoping to use rental properties for this kind of activity often offer to pay the rent up front in a large lump sum, probably so the landlord has no cause to bother them.

Problems Caused by Cannabis Farms
Cannabis growers cause all kinds of damage to homes. Cultivating cannabis plants requires a lot of heat and light, which often leads to massive electricity bills, dodgy rewiring, and structural damage inside the property.

Advice from the NLA
“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.”