|
So you think you've found the perfect tenants. Don't be fooled!
Often these seemingly great tenants show up
with excellent references and pay the first and last month's rent, sometimes by
cash or even with a certified cheque. Once you hand over the keys your tenant
hands them over to the real tenants...marijuana growers. The unsuspecting
Landlord believes he or she is entering into a
rental agreement
with a reputable applicant who is in reality acting as a front
for the purpose of obtaining access to a potential grow site.
Indoor cultivation causes devastating damage to rentals.
Methamphetamine laboratories and marijuana
crop operations are spreading. Almost all marijuana growers use rental
properties to avoid damage to their own properties producing huge profits for
them. These grow ops cause considerable damage and can render you rental
unusable unless expensive repairs are undertaken.
High condensation leads to mould. Carpets,
fixtures and wires are often ripped out, leaving the Landlord with extensive
repair bills. Methamphetamine laboratories create toxic chemicals with the
potential for explosions and fires. Methamphetamine is man-made. It is concocted
from household chemicals and solvents such as battery acid, drain cleaners,
fertilizer, matchbook strikers and paint thinner. Crystal Meth can also be
produced by mixing pseudoephedrine commonly found in over-the-counter
decongestants and allergy medications.
There has been a lot of controversy regarding insurance policies.
As the costs associated with illegal grow operations have soared,
many insurers have sent letters to policy holders warning them that they are on
their own when it comes to claims for fire, water or any other damage caused by
grow ops; even if the landlord is completely unaware that their property was
being used for a grow op.
Many Landlords are outraged as their
insurance premiums continue to rise. Although some companies may honour claims,
many are refusing to pay. To be sure, landlords should contact their insurance
agent to determine if their insurance covers such claims.
Under the residential tenancy acts and regulations a
Landlord can not forcibly enter their rental property
to check for illegal activity until
they have given the tenant 24 hours notice to enter the rental unit. In
these cases all too often the tenant will find an excuse to delay the Landlords
visit. Landlords can only enter a property in an emergency type situation, so
the odds of catching them in the act can be very difficult.
So what can a landlord do?
Find out what your legal rights and obligations are. Look for the landlord
tenancy laws and regulations for your province here.>
Tenancy Laws.
So what should you watch out for if you suspect a marijuana cultivation or
methamphetamine lab operation is going on in your rental?
Before you accept any tenant watch out for the warning signs.
·
Tenants who offer to pay in cash.
·
Willing to pay more than rental asking price.
·
Give incomplete answers on their application.
·
Register with utilities under a different name.
·
Have no home phone number.
·
They are not interested in the layout of the home.
·
They are very interested in the electrical panel, watts etc.
Find
out more about why
Landlords need credit reports and
what's in a credit report.
|
