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A hidden threat landlords can’t ignore
Across the UK, illegal cannabis farms are becoming an increasing concern for landlords and letting agents alike. What may seem like a typical tenant situation on the surface can quickly spiral into a nightmare of property damage, unpaid rent, and legal complications. Even more troubling, many landlords are unaware that they could be held liable if proper precautions weren’t taken — especially when it comes to inspections and due diligence.
If you ever discover or suspect that a cannabis farm is operating in one of your rental properties, it’s crucial to act swiftly and safely. The first and most important step is to contact the police. Dial 101 for non-emergencies, or 999 if there’s any immediate danger such as fire risk or threatening behaviour. It might be tempting to inspect the property yourself, but this can be extremely dangerous. Illegal grows often involve tampered electrical systems, structural damage, and even booby traps designed to deter entry. Leave the investigation entirely to the police — they’re trained to handle these situations.
Once the authorities are notified, the next step is to inform all relevant parties. If you’re a letting agent, the landlord must be informed immediately. If you’re the landlord and you use an agent, make sure they’re in the loop and ready to assist. Document all actions and communications from the moment the issue is suspected — you may need this record later for insurance claims or legal advice.
Whatever you do, don’t confront the tenants. Even if you’re confident that illegal activity is taking place, direct confrontation can be dangerous and may also interfere with an active police investigation. It’s best to step back and allow law enforcement to take control of the situation.
While it’s important not to enter the property, you may already have some evidence from previous visits — such as notes or photos from inspections — that show suspicious signs. These could include unusual smells, blacked-out windows, signs of excessive condensation, or strange wiring and ventilation systems. If you have this kind of documentation, share it with the police — but never, under any circumstances, post anything about the incident on social media.
Insurance is another vital part of the puzzle. Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible and provide them with a police reference number and any other relevant details. Keep in mind that many policies include clauses about property inspections and general upkeep. If you’ve failed to carry out regular checks, your claim may be denied — making routine, documented inspections more important than ever.
It’s also highly advisable to seek legal advice. Whether the tenants have fled or remain in the property, you’ll likely need legal support to recover possession of your home. A solicitor can help you understand your rights, begin eviction proceedings if necessary, and protect you from any legal fallout that might come your way.
Of course, prevention is far better than cure. While there’s no way to completely eliminate the risk of illegal activity, there are clear steps you can take to minimise it. Carrying out thorough tenant referencing, including ID checks and references from previous landlords, is essential. So is maintaining regular, scheduled inspections — not only do they help spot early warning signs, but they also demonstrate that you’re taking your responsibilities seriously as a landlord or agent. Be alert to red flags such as tenants refusing access, properties that appear sparsely furnished or unnaturally sealed off, and signs of excessive electricity use.
Cannabis farms can leave behind tens of thousands of pounds in damage, not to mention months of lost rental income and the stress of dealing with the aftermath. By staying vigilant and taking action as soon as something doesn’t feel right, landlords and letting agents can better protect themselves, their properties, and their reputations.
Cannabis cultivation is a growing problem — but with awareness, good management practices, and prompt action, we can start to weed it out. Interestingly an often quoted statistic is that 90% of all Cannabis is grown in rental properties, but this number seems exaggerated. While there are certainly thousands of illegal grows in the UK, half a million is not a figure supported by official sources. For example, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and UK Home Office haven’t reported figures close to 500,000. But, Media and police reports suggest that cannabis farms are widespread, especially in urban rental properties, but more realistic estimates range in the tens of thousands, not hundreds of thousands.
Prevention of course is much better than finding a property has been used in this manner and the professional services of companies like Inventorybase/Property Inspect, can provide services to de-risk Landlords and Lettings agents operations.
Andrew Stanton Executive Editor – moving property and proptech forward. PropTech-X
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