Landlords beware of cannabis factories in rental properties

It’s National Tackling Drugs Week and the National Landlords Association (NLA) is advising landlords to beware of cannabis factories springing up in their rental properties.

With the number of rental properties being used as illegal cannabis factories  rising, landlords would be wise to take steps to try and ensure their property doesn’t end up being used in this way.

Damage can be huge and result in tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage. Worse still, even if you have landlords insurance, the companies may not pay out for this.

Insurance companies will invariably assess each claim on an individual case by case basis dependent on the circumstances behind the claim.

Cannabis factories can often be a fire hazard due to the poor, amateur electrical wiring that’s done and the heat involved in growing the plants.

MoneyHighStreet works with Simple Landlords insurance and if a property is damaged by fire as a result of a cannabis factory they would consider the claim under the Fire peril of their insurance policy.

Chairman of the NLA, David Salusbury, commented ‘Of course, for landlords, it is once the police have cleared the property that the real challenge begins. Having to assess the level of damage and try and find the cash to make the property fit to rent once more.’

He added ‘It is a horrible experience and is potentially avoidable if landlords follow some simple precautionary steps.’

The NLA suggest the following:

• Check the property regularly, at least quarterly
• Make sure you get full references – including employer and previous landlords
• Don’t take a block of rent upfront – could be a sign of illegal activity
• Get neighbours to be additional ‘eyes and ears’ for you if possible