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. Everything you ever wanted, right? Wrong. All of these things should start warning bells clanging.
In Canada, marijuana grow ops in rental properties are causing landlords major problems. When someone sets up a grow op in a residential property, they do incredible damage to the home. The conclusion that these people come to is usually to do this on someone else's property to avoid personal risk.
Many growers keep dangerous weapons in the home in order to protect themselves from other criminals. Wiring is often tampered with and hydro meters can be bypassed, so the fire hazard in the home goes up significantly. Mould is a typical result from the excess humidity in the home because of the water required in growing marijuana.
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.
So, how can you make sure that your home isn't going to be destroyed and turned into a grow op by unscrupulous tenants?
Screening your tenants is very important, so do this carefully. A rental agreement is important, but if you don't follow up and contact the prospective tenant's former employers and landlords, it could be disastrous for you.
Have them present their government issued identification to you. Write down their information from the ID. Let them know that you'll be doing monthly exterior inspections. In addition to this, tell them you will be doing interior inspection occasionally after giving them written notice. Knowing you're coming by monthly to pick up the rent cheque could prompt unscrupulous tenants to look for a less diligent landlord.
Advise them that you know your neighbours. Tell them that you talk to neighbours frequently. If they know the neighbours will be keeping a lookout on your behalf, it could be enough to scare away tenants with criminal intentions. Make an arrangement to be at the unit on the date when the tenants are taking possession. 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.
Recognizing red flags
You have cause to be wary when:
They want to make cash payments. And if they offer you more rent than you're asking for, consider it a warning sign that something may be fishy. 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. If you see these signs, be suspicious.
They are unemployed, yet drive an expensive car. 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.
Look for indications like these:
Black plastic, heavy curtains, bed sheets, anything covering windows completely, especially when they are pressed tight against the glass. Look for excessive condensation on the windows.
Odd smells coming from the home like strong chemicals, or a skunk-like scent.
Sounds of ventilation equipment humming all day and night.
Many visitors to the home, late at night especially.
Garbage or equipment, such as bedding plant pots, discarded potting soil, piping, or wiring lying about the yard.
If the hydro meter looks like it has been altered.
Aggressive looking guard dogs on the residence.
Your rental property could be ruined beyond repair by a marijuana grow op, and you will be stuck paying for the damages in many cases because insurance may not cover you. 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. When someone sets up a grow op in a residential property, they do incredible damage to the home. The conclusion that these people come to is usually to do this on someone else's property to avoid personal risk.
Many growers keep dangerous weapons in the home in order to protect themselves from other criminals. Wiring is often tampered with and hydro meters can be bypassed, so the fire hazard in the home goes up significantly. Mould is a typical result from the excess humidity in the home because of the water required in growing marijuana.
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.
So, how can you make sure that your home isn't going to be destroyed and turned into a grow op by unscrupulous tenants?
Screening your tenants is very important, so do this carefully. A rental agreement is important, but if you don't follow up and contact the prospective tenant's former employers and landlords, it could be disastrous for you.
Have them present their government issued identification to you. Write down their information from the ID. Let them know that you'll be doing monthly exterior inspections. In addition to this, tell them you will be doing interior inspection occasionally after giving them written notice. Knowing you're coming by monthly to pick up the rent cheque could prompt unscrupulous tenants to look for a less diligent landlord.
Advise them that you know your neighbours. Tell them that you talk to neighbours frequently. If they know the neighbours will be keeping a lookout on your behalf, it could be enough to scare away tenants with criminal intentions. Make an arrangement to be at the unit on the date when the tenants are taking possession. 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.
Recognizing red flags
You have cause to be wary when:
They want to make cash payments. And if they offer you more rent than you're asking for, consider it a warning sign that something may be fishy. 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. If you see these signs, be suspicious.
They are unemployed, yet drive an expensive car. 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.
Look for indications like these:
Black plastic, heavy curtains, bed sheets, anything covering windows completely, especially when they are pressed tight against the glass. Look for excessive condensation on the windows.
Odd smells coming from the home like strong chemicals, or a skunk-like scent.
Sounds of ventilation equipment humming all day and night.
Many visitors to the home, late at night especially.
Garbage or equipment, such as bedding plant pots, discarded potting soil, piping, or wiring lying about the yard.
If the hydro meter looks like it has been altered.
Aggressive looking guard dogs on the residence.
Your rental property could be ruined beyond repair by a marijuana grow op, and you will be stuck paying for the damages in many cases because insurance may not cover you. Take the necessary steps to minimize the risks of occurrences like these.
About the Author:
To learn more and to receive great savings, we invite you to visit here : and if you're looking for a quick video summary, click here.
No comments:
Post a Comment