Every year in England and Wales, people spend £2.4 billion on cannabis. This huge number shows how much illegal cannabis farms in rented homes are increasing. These farms, run by organised criminals, put landlords, tenants, and neighbours at risk. The pandemic made things worse. Between December 2015 and December 2021, over 1,000 cannabis farms were found in London. Nearly half were discovered during lockdowns.
To tackle this trend, a big police operation, ‘Operation Millie’, was started in June 2023. Police forces across the UK joined forces. They raided over 1,000 cannabis farms, seized plants worth £130m, and arrested about 1,000 people. This article looks at why there are more illegal cannabis farms, the dangers, and what’s being done.
Key Takeaways
- Organised crime groups are behind the growing issue of illegal cannabis farms in rented homes in the UK.
- The problem got worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 1,000 cannabis farms were found in London between 2015 and 2021, with half during lockdowns.
- ‘Operation Millie’ was a big police effort. It saw the raid of over 1,000 cannabis farms, the seizure of £130m plants, and 1,000 arrests.
- Cannabis farms harm landlords, tenants, and communities. They can cause damage, pose electrical risks, and harm the environment.
- Landlords need to watch out for signs of illegal activities and take steps to protect their properties from gangs.
The Rise of Cannabis Farms in Rental Properties
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a big increase in cannabis farms in rented homes in the UK. Bearing this out, the Metropolitan Police found over 1,000 such farms in London between 2015 and 2021. These farms risk people’s safety and are hard to find due to fewer house checks during lockdowns. It was tough for landlords and agents to visit homes, contributing to this problem.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Increase of Cannabis Cultivation
Lockdowns from the pandemic made it easier for illegal cannabis farms to operate in rented homes. Because landlords and agents couldn’t visit for checks, criminal groups saw this as an opening. They set up more cannabis farms, taking advantage of the situation.
Statistics on Cannabis Farms Found in Rented Homes
Statistics show how big this issue has become. Nearly all the cannabis in the UK comes from these illegal farms in rented homes. Police seize over a million plants each year, worth £210 million. Offences related to cannabis have gone up, with 63% of drug cases in 2020 being about cannabis. This was a 23% rise from the year before.
Criminal groups like using rented homes for cannabis because it’s hard to trace back to them. They rent several places to lower their risk of getting caught. Without thorough checks on tenants and regular home visits, the issue is out of control. Both authorities and the rental business face a hard time dealing with this.
The Growing Problem of Cannabis Farms in Rented Properties
Cannabis farming in rental homes is now a big issue in the UK. The police are finding these farms in rented houses and flats. Insurers note that these farms often cause a lot of damage. Until recently, most cannabis farming was bigger, in places like warehouses or farms left unused. But now, this farming is happening where people live, which is very dangerous. The police say these homes are like ‘death traps’ because of the many risks involved.
For landlords, illegal cannabis growing is causing many problems. In London, over 1,000 farms were found in just six years. Half of these were spotted when people had to stay at home more. These farms supply 90% of the cannabis in the UK, and over a million plants are taken by the police every year. Growing cannabis in rental properties is attractive for criminals because it makes it harder to find them.
The damage these farms cause is often very serious and costly. In 2020, the typical insurance claim was about £9,471. Landlords could spend a lot of money fixing their properties. But, insurance might not cover all the costs, and fixing the damage can take a long time. One landlord faced £15,000 in damages, and another had a difficult time with repairs and losses in rent income.
The Threat to Landlords and Surrounding Communities
Finding a cannabis farm in a rental is dreadful for landlords. Many think cannabis crimes are minor. But, the police often discover links to other illegal actions like human trafficking and violence. This disrupts the home, making it both unsafe and unsuitable to live in again.
Damage Caused by Cannabis Farms
The harm from cannabis farms is vast and costly to fix, at around £5,417 per claim. They also put nearby people in danger. This happens because growing cannabis can create mould, leaks, and a higher risk of fires.
Risks to Neighbouring Properties
Cannabis farms can badly affect whole neighbourhoods. Neighbours may face dangers like mould and fire hazards. These problems can impact their safety and quality of life, not just the landlord’s property.
Warning Signs of a Cannabis Farm in a Rental Property
Landlords need to watch for signs their property might be a cannabis farm. Look for tenants who act suspiciously, like being very active right at the start. Another clue is a lot of visitors coming and going at odd times. Also, if tenants seem very private or do things in the garden, like set up tents.
Suspicious Tenant Behaviour
Landlords, be wary if tenants avoid you visiting or pay in cash. Things like unusual activity when they move in, looking paranoid, and many different visitors, day or night, are big hints of a cannabis farm.
Physical Indicators of Cannabis Cultivation
Watch for how the property looks too. Signs of a cannabis farm might include extra security, windows that are covered, lots of moisture, and a strong, sweet smell. Also, bright lights always on, more air systems, and wires that have been changed could mean trouble.
By keeping an eye out for these issues, landlords can protect their properties. It helps keep tenants and the wider community safe from illegal cannabis operations.
Steps for Landlords to Prevent Cannabis Farms
Landlords can take proactive steps to lower the chance of their properties being used for illegal cultivation. They should conduct regular property inspections and carefully choose tenants. This can reduce the risk of criminal activities.
Conducting Regular Property Inspections
Landlords must check their properties often, especially in the first three months of a new rent. Tenants should know these checks will happen. It can make criminal plans less likely.
If tenants refuse entry, landlords should still inspect from outside. Look for signs like strong security, high electricity use, or odd smells. These could indicate an illegal operation.
Building a good relationship with neighbours helps when the landlord doesn’t live close. Neighbours might notice strange things and warn the landlord. This early alert can prevent cannabis farms.
Proper Tenant Screening and Selection
Use well-known letting agencies to find tenants. Criminal groups may try to rent properties found on social media to avoid proper checks. Checking tenant details like ID, address, and job is also key. This is to stop illegal activities, including cannabis growing, in the rented property.
The Damage and Cost of Cannabis Farms for Landlords
Cannabis farms in rented properties are causing big problems for landlords. They lead to a lot of damage. Repairing this damage can cost an average of £5,417.
Landlords might need to pay thousands for repairs. Yet, they often can’t claim this back from their insurance. That’s because their policies usually don’t cover damage from illegal activities.
Finding a cannabis farm in a property can also mean the landlord loses rent for a while. In one case, a landlord had to spend £15,000 on repairs after such a discovery. Another faced delays and stress from the damage and the insurance company.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Average insurance claim for repairing landlord’s property damaged by cannabis cultivation | £9,471 (in 2020) |
| Percentage of landlords who made insurance claims for malicious damage due to cannabis cultivation | 12% (in 2020) |
| Typical insurance payout range for cannabis farm damage | £5,000 – £10,000 |
| Highest claim for cannabis farm damage reported | £30,850 |
The cost to landlords from cannabis farms can be huge. It often includes big repair bills and lost rent. Landlords need to be careful in choosing tenants and keeping an eye on their properties. This can prevent a lot of financial and legal troubles.
The Role of Police and Authorities in Combating Cannabis Farms
The illegal growing of cannabis in rented houses is a big issue for UK landlords. This problem has drawn the attention of the police and government authorities. They are urging landlords to help them find and shut down these cannabis factories. This is because they often find homes used to grow thousands of cannabis plants each day. The police note that cannabis farming has increased during the COVID-19 lockdown. This is because inspections by landlords and letting agents have been fewer due to restrictions.
In June 2023, the UK staged its biggest operation to fight cannabis farms. It was named ‘Operation Millie’. Police from all over the UK took part. In a month, they entered more than 1,000 cannabis farms. They seized plants worth £130m and arrested about 1,000 people. This shows the authorities’ increased effort to deal with the crime and environmental harm caused by illegal cannabis cultivation in rented homes.
The police are asking for landlords to help them. They highlight the need for a team effort between the police, government, and landlords. This partnership is essential to stop the growth of cannabis farms. It protects neighbourhood safety and rental regulations, reducing the damages and hazards these operations bring.
Legal Implications for Landlords Involved with Cannabis Farms
The issue of cannabis farms in rented homes is growing. This poses big legal risks for UK landlords. If a landlord knows their tenant is growing cannabis and doesn’t tell the police, they could be breaking the law. They might face jail time from 12 months to five years. There’s also a possibility of getting an unlimited fine, depending on how much cannabis is grown.
Landlords need to make sure they’ve done everything possible to stop their property from being used for illegal activities. This means doing a detailed reference check before the tenant moves in. They should check the tenant’s identity, where they live, credit history, and job. If they don’t, it might harm their chance of making insurance claims for any damage the cannabis farm causes.
| Key Legal Implications for Landlords | Potential Penalties |
|---|---|
| Failure to report tenant’s cannabis cultivation | Up to 5 years in prison and unlimited fines |
| Inadequate tenant screening and reference checks | Compromised insurance claims for property damages |
| Allowing property to be used for drug production | Up to 14 years in prison or unlimited fines |
The legal challenges around cannabis farms in rented homes are serious. Landlords face tough penalties if they don’t take steps to stop illegal drug growing. Thoroughly screening tenants and checking properties regularly are key. These actions help landlords lower their risks and safeguard their investments.
Insurance Claims and Coverage for Cannabis Farm Damage
The number of cannabis farms in rented homes is going up. This is challenging for both landlords and insurers. Many insurance policies now avoid covering cannabis farms. When cover is available, payouts can be limited, usually from £5,000 to £10,000. The average claim in 2020 for a landlord’s damaged property due to cannabis cultivation was around £9,471.
One out of every nine (12%) insurance claims by landlords in 2020 was due to cannabis farming. Ensuring protection from such risks involves pre-tenant checks. These include regular property inspections and thorough checks on future tenants, including their ID, credit history, and more.
Ensuring Successful Claims
Landlords need to show they did regular checks on their properties and on new tenants. These checks should include things like the tenant’s ID, home address, credit history, and job details. Without these checks, it’s hard for landlords to claim insurance on damages caused by cannabis farms in their rented homes. Insurers want to see that landlords did all they could to reduce the chance of cannabis farming on their properties.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Average insurance claim for property damage due to cannabis cultivation (2020) | £9,471 |
| Percentage of landlords who submitted insurance claims for malicious damage due to cannabis cultivation (2020) | 12% |
| Typical insurance payout range for cannabis farm damage | £5,000 – £10,000 |
The Dangers of Cannabis Farms and Safety Risks
Cannabis farms can be very unsafe. They can cause fires, steal electricity, and damage water. They might produce mould and leak water. This can happen when using special systems for growing and when creating holes for air. Police say messing with energy meters can lead to getting shocked, badly burnt, and starting fires. Stealing electricity hit an all-time high in 2023. It can lead to dangerous wires being exposed and even the risk of appliances catching fire.
Growing cannabis in rented homes is bad news for everyone. It makes the area less safe and can harm the environment. Landlords need to watch for signs of this happening. This helps fight some big crime problems.
Cannabis farming can wreck homes. It can leave houses unsafe to live in. Fixing this damage can cost landlords a lot of money. This can make it hard for them to get insurance and rent out the property again quickly.
To keep their homes safe, landlords need to check often and pick their tenants carefully. They should follow the rules and work with the police. This can help stop cannabis farms from starting. It makes living places safer for everyone.
Tips for Landlords to Identify and Report Cannabis Farms
The problem of cannabis farms in rented homes is getting bigger. So, landlords need to keep an eye out for any dodgy activity. Look for signs like lots happening when new tenants move in, many visitors coming and going, strange behaviour, and even tents outside.
Property signs of a cannabis farm include strong security, windows blocked out, and a damp smell inside. You might also notice bright lights, lots of fans, and strange changes to the electrics. These places often use lots of extra electricity, are overly protected, have sticky tape on windows, and odd happenings on the roof.
If you think your property might be used for growing cannabis, tell the police right away. You can do this directly or through a service like Crimestoppers without giving your name. It’s important for landlords, the police, and local authorities to work together. This way, the problem of cannabis farms can be tackled, making the community safer and reducing harm to the environment.
| Indicators of a Cannabis Farm | Actions for Landlords |
|---|---|
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Conclusion
Illegal cannabis farming in rented places is a big issue for landlords in the UK. Organised crime groups focus on the private rental sector more. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this worse. Landlords haven’t been able to check their properties. This lets the problem grow because cannabis farms cause a lot of damage.
Landlords should look out for signs of a cannabis farm. They need to stop their properties from becoming targets. This means checking on their homes often and ensuring tenants are reliable. It’s important for landlords, the police, and others to work together. They can fight this problem and keep communities safe from the dangers of illegal drug cultivation.
Last year, over 350,000 cannabis plants were found in the UK. Almost 70,000 of these were in the West Midlands. Clearly, organised crime connected to cannabis farms is a big threat. Landlords have a crucial role in stopping this growing problem. They should team up with the police and others. Together, they can protect their properties and the areas around them.
