It seems that your prospective tenant is just what you're looking for. He informs you that you needn't bother coming by for the rent each month as he'll deliver the cash to you, and he isn't picky at all about the amenities in the rental unit. This appears to be perfect, right? Wrong. Things like this should be huge red flags.
In Canada, marijuana grow ops in rental properties are causing landlords major problems. If a tenant puts together a grow op in a residential unit, the home can sustain significant damage. The simple solution for someone like this is to commit these crimes on someone else's property.
As marijuana grow ops are criminal operations, there is a risk of weapons being on the premises. The risk of fire is greatly increased when wiring is tampered with, and hydro meters are bypassed. The humidity in the home goes way up during a grow because of all the water that is required during the operation, and mould is a common result.
And, as a rule, any damage caused by your tenants is not covered by your insurance. So you could be stuck with a gutted, mouldy, unsafe home, or one that has been completely devastated by fire.
What can a landlord do to protect themselves from tenants that are looking to use the property for an illegal grow operation?
Screening your tenants is very important, so do this carefully. Of course the rental agreement must be filled out, but you must be diligent in checking their references so you don't end up devastated financially, so call their former landlords and employers.
Make sure they show you proper identification. And record the information. Tell the prospective tenants that exterior inspections will be done each month. And you reserve the right to do interior inspections with the proper notice. When tenants know that each month you will be showing up to collect the rent cheque, the unscrupulous tenants will probably look elsewhere to rent.
Let them know that you have good relations with the neighbors around the property. Tell them that you talk to neighbours frequently. Undesirable tenants won't want that kind of pressure from neighbors looking in, so they may look elsewhere for their grow op. Arrange to be there on the move-in date. By being there on that date, you will be able to know if they are regular tenants just moving in their things, and if necessary you can talk to them about conditions of the rental agreement.
Noticing when things look suspicious
Be wary if:
They want to make cash payments. If a tenant actually offers you extra money on top of the rent you are charging, it's a red flag that something is wrong. A tenant spends more time checking out the electrical panel than looking at the home's other amenities. A tenant who is overly interested in the panel might be considering if the home can handle 1000 watt bulbs to build the grow op. Be suspicious.
The tenant drives an expensive car, but doesn't have current employment. After a tenant has moved in, you could find a grow op by doing outside inspections on a regular basis, and if you notice it early, you can avoid any further damage to your rental unit.
These are signs you should look for:
Black plastic, heavy curtains, bed sheets, anything covering windows completely, especially when they are pressed tight against the glass. More than the usual amount of condensation on windows.
A strong chemical smell from the home, or perhaps a skunk-like odour.
The sound of equipment humming all the time, like fans or ventilation.
An unusually high number of visitors, and if they always come and go late, it's more suspicious.
Unusual items around the yard like discarded potting soil, wiring, bedding plant pots, or other equipment or debris.
Hydro meters that have been tampered with.
Aggressive looking guard dogs on the residence.
You could end up having to spend an incredible amount of money to restore the home, and insurance may not cover you, so beware of the signs of this dangerous activity. Take the necessary steps to minimize the risks of occurrences like these.
In Canada, marijuana grow ops in rental properties are causing landlords major problems. If a tenant puts together a grow op in a residential unit, the home can sustain significant damage. The simple solution for someone like this is to commit these crimes on someone else's property.
As marijuana grow ops are criminal operations, there is a risk of weapons being on the premises. The risk of fire is greatly increased when wiring is tampered with, and hydro meters are bypassed. The humidity in the home goes way up during a grow because of all the water that is required during the operation, and mould is a common result.
And, as a rule, any damage caused by your tenants is not covered by your insurance. So you could be stuck with a gutted, mouldy, unsafe home, or one that has been completely devastated by fire.
What can a landlord do to protect themselves from tenants that are looking to use the property for an illegal grow operation?
Screening your tenants is very important, so do this carefully. Of course the rental agreement must be filled out, but you must be diligent in checking their references so you don't end up devastated financially, so call their former landlords and employers.
Make sure they show you proper identification. And record the information. Tell the prospective tenants that exterior inspections will be done each month. And you reserve the right to do interior inspections with the proper notice. When tenants know that each month you will be showing up to collect the rent cheque, the unscrupulous tenants will probably look elsewhere to rent.
Let them know that you have good relations with the neighbors around the property. Tell them that you talk to neighbours frequently. Undesirable tenants won't want that kind of pressure from neighbors looking in, so they may look elsewhere for their grow op. Arrange to be there on the move-in date. By being there on that date, you will be able to know if they are regular tenants just moving in their things, and if necessary you can talk to them about conditions of the rental agreement.
Noticing when things look suspicious
Be wary if:
They want to make cash payments. If a tenant actually offers you extra money on top of the rent you are charging, it's a red flag that something is wrong. A tenant spends more time checking out the electrical panel than looking at the home's other amenities. A tenant who is overly interested in the panel might be considering if the home can handle 1000 watt bulbs to build the grow op. Be suspicious.
The tenant drives an expensive car, but doesn't have current employment. After a tenant has moved in, you could find a grow op by doing outside inspections on a regular basis, and if you notice it early, you can avoid any further damage to your rental unit.
These are signs you should look for:
Black plastic, heavy curtains, bed sheets, anything covering windows completely, especially when they are pressed tight against the glass. More than the usual amount of condensation on windows.
A strong chemical smell from the home, or perhaps a skunk-like odour.
The sound of equipment humming all the time, like fans or ventilation.
An unusually high number of visitors, and if they always come and go late, it's more suspicious.
Unusual items around the yard like discarded potting soil, wiring, bedding plant pots, or other equipment or debris.
Hydro meters that have been tampered with.
Aggressive looking guard dogs on the residence.
You could end up having to spend an incredible amount of money to restore the home, and insurance may not cover you, so beware of the signs of this dangerous activity. Take the necessary steps to minimize the risks of occurrences like these.
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