Release date: October 2009

David Hogg, a Partner at Close Thornton Solicitors, gives a warning to all residential landlords. Tenants who grow cannabis in their rented properties are costing landlords thousands of pounds. This could be anything from the cost of rectification of the property when the tenants have left the property, the payment of outstanding electricity and heating bills or, even worse, the cost of rebuilding the property when it burns down due to the illegal practises of the tenant.

• tenants who offer to pay all of the rent for the tenancy in advance
• tenants who seem to have a collection of chemistry equipment when they move in
• blacked out windows at the rental property
• tenants who avoid contact with you
• powerful lights left on for long periods of time
• a sudden jump or fall in electricity bills
• tenants who want to put deadbolts or alarms on interior doors
• strange smells!

Landlords should be warned that insurance companies that can prove a landlord's lack of vigilance of their rental properties have refused to pay damages caused by these cannabis farmers.

With specialist lighting, watering systems and other modifications completely destroying some landlords properties, some landlords are left with bills of £20,000 + to put the property right.

What you should do:

1. Visit the property regularly and make attempts to inspect inside. If the tenant is reluctant to let you in press further, there is usually a reason for his/her reluctance
2. If you live too far away, then arrange for someone to inspect the house for you or at least keep a vigilant eye on it
3. If in doubt report your suspicions to the police

It is a criminal offence to allow your property to be used for criminal activities!

David Hogg can be contacted on 01325 466461 or david.hogg@close-thornton.co.uk

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