The number of cannabis farms caught by the police is on the rise.

The majority of these farms are set up on legally leased property. Typically, landlords or rental agents are tricked into leasing their properties to front couples who trick them into starting a tenancy and then handing over the keys to an organized crime group. When a gang moves in and starts the renovation process, property damage can be serious.

Many homeowners will make a purchase to do the right thing and introduce property insurance. But they won’t even consider the risk of their property being cannabis delivery Halifax farm. However, it is one of the most serious risks facing your property. Aside from the fact that your home is being used for criminal activity, there are many physical hazards you may want to avoid.

What could happen?

Cannabis farmers are known to be quite ruthless in the changes they make to get maximum growth potential from the properties they rent. Damage can range from moderate to extreme, but it is common to experience a combination of electrical, structural, and water damage after the property has been used as a cannabis farm.

Interior walls are often knocked down, and doors and partitions are removed to create additional growing space for crops. Elaborate and poorly constructed irrigation systems used to feed plants often result in severe water damage. Damage to electrical systems is common as farmers try to bypass meters or overload capacity with the high-output grow lights they deploy. In a recent case, a door on the side of the building was connected directly to the mains, an extreme DIY security measure that could kill anyone trying to access the building.

What to look for?

Fortunately, there are some surefire signs to look out for.

Blackened windows or tin foil windows will set off an alarm. If the tenant doesn’t want someone inspecting the property, you should be concerned.
Unusual patterns of electricity use are good indicators of improper use. If the meter suddenly starts buzzing, you may have some doubts.
Cover your nose to avoid any strange smells. No matter how hard you try, it’s hard to hide the pungent scent of 100 budding cannabis plants.
Unusual alterations are another giveaway. The tenant suddenly installed a lot of bolts, alarms, and deadlocks.

What are they protecting?

They try to keep you at arm’s length. If the tenant is doing their best to avoid a visit from the landlord, they may be suspicious.

How can I prevent it?

First, it highlights the alarm bells that make landlords suspicious of tenants.

The tenant is willing to pay monthly rent in cash in advance
Tenant’s tendency to pay in cash with no visible means of financial support.
Repeated requests by tenants not to visit the property by the landlord.
They also outline some steps landlords should take to prevent criminals, including cannabis farmers, from renting out their purchased rental properties in the first place.

• Use a photo ID of the applicant, such as a copy of a passport or driver’s license.
• Make sure your ID is genuine.
• Beware of phone, water, gas, and electricity accounts in other names.
• Co-applicants require two or more forms of identification.
• Check the tenant’s current address
• Obtain the prospective renter’s cell phone number and vehicle registration.
• Refer renters appropriately and check their credit.