Cannabis - A growing problem

Don’t turn a blind eye - as a landlord or letting agent you have a legal and ethical responsibility to protect and preserve the communities in which we live. Under current legislation (Misuse of Drugs Act 1971) landlords or property managers can receive a prison sentence or large fine if they allow the production of controlled drugs to take place in their accommodation.

Drugs can wreck communities, as a landlord you could end up paying a high price for allowing a property you own to be used for drug production, this could include:

Losing access to your premises for good or a long period of time
Considerable cost of clearing up and making premises safe for future tenants to live in
Loss of rent / income
Damage to business or personal reputation
Potential reduction in property value
When selling the property, having to disclose to future buyers that the premise has been used for the production of controlled drugs.

How to spot a cannabis factory

A strong, pungent smell coming from the building
Electrical wiring that has been tampered with
Powerful lights left on all of the time
Windows blacked out
A sudden increase in electricity bills
Large quantities of rubbish – bin bags full of vegetable matter

The production of other types of synthetic drugs also takes place; most of the chemicals required to make these drugs are readily available, but it is the process involved in producing them which is extremely volatile. When a drug production has taken place it can take months for the property to be returned to its former use.

How to deter drug production in your property

Be wary of any prospective tenant willing to pay months of rent in advance, or above the going rate, particularly in cash
Never accept tenants without checking references and backgrounds
Be suspicious if the tenant will not allow you access to the property or only allows you in small areas
Has the tenant asked to meet away from the property to pay rent etc.
Has the tenant put deadlocks or alarms on internal doors or made attempts to install fortifications on the exterior of the property

What to do if you suspect a tenant of illegal drug activity

Record your suspicions and any vehicle details
Contact Police on 101 (if non-emergency)
Speak to your local Safer Neighbourhood Team in confidence

Contact Police on 999 if a crime is taking place