03:11:00
The tenant you're considering looks like they are going to work out great. 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. Things like this should be huge red flags.
Rental units being used for marijuana grow ops in Canada have become an increasing problem. If a tenant puts together a grow op in a residential unit, the home can sustain significant damage. The conclusion that these people come to is usually to do this on someone else's property to avoid personal risk.
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.
So, how can you make sure that your home isn't going to be destroyed and turned into a grow op by unscrupulous tenants?
Tenants must always be screened thoroughly. 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.
Have them present their government issued identification to you. Record the information on the ID card. Let them know that you'll be doing monthly exterior inspections. Also let them know that you will be doing periodic interior inspections in accordance with the law. 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.
Tell them that the neighbours are people that you know personally. Make the tenants aware that you talk to the neighbors often. Undesirable tenants won't want that kind of pressure from neighbors looking in, so they may look elsewhere for their grow op. Be at the home on the date when the tenants are moving in. This way you can make sure they're actually moving in, and you can reinforce any special conditions of the rental agreement.
Noticing when things look suspicious
Be wary if:
The tenants want to pay rents in cash. A tenant with deceptive motives may offer you extra rent, and if this happens, it's highly suspicious. A tenant spends more time checking out the electrical panel than looking at the home's other amenities. If this is the case, they could be planning how they're going to alter the wiring to handle several 1000 watt bulbs. Being suspicious can be helpful in this situation.
They are unemployed, yet drive an expensive car. If a tenant takes possession of the unit, regular inspections of the home's exterior could show you if a grow op is in operation, and if you catch if quickly, less damage will be done than if you miss the signs.
Signs to look for include:
Blocked windows that are covered in bed sheets, heavy curtains, or black plastic and are pushed up close to the windows. More than the usual amount of condensation on windows.
Odours coming from the home, possibly skunk-like or chemical in nature.
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.
Strange looking equipment or garbage outside the home, or things like potting soil, wiring, and bedding plant pots scattered around.
Hydro meters that have been tampered with.
Signs indicating there is a guard dog on duty.
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. Do everything you can in order to protect your rental property from major damages.
Rental units being used for marijuana grow ops in Canada have become an increasing problem. If a tenant puts together a grow op in a residential unit, the home can sustain significant damage. The conclusion that these people come to is usually to do this on someone else's property to avoid personal risk.
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.
So, how can you make sure that your home isn't going to be destroyed and turned into a grow op by unscrupulous tenants?
Tenants must always be screened thoroughly. 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.
Have them present their government issued identification to you. Record the information on the ID card. Let them know that you'll be doing monthly exterior inspections. Also let them know that you will be doing periodic interior inspections in accordance with the law. 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.
Tell them that the neighbours are people that you know personally. Make the tenants aware that you talk to the neighbors often. Undesirable tenants won't want that kind of pressure from neighbors looking in, so they may look elsewhere for their grow op. Be at the home on the date when the tenants are moving in. This way you can make sure they're actually moving in, and you can reinforce any special conditions of the rental agreement.
Noticing when things look suspicious
Be wary if:
The tenants want to pay rents in cash. A tenant with deceptive motives may offer you extra rent, and if this happens, it's highly suspicious. A tenant spends more time checking out the electrical panel than looking at the home's other amenities. If this is the case, they could be planning how they're going to alter the wiring to handle several 1000 watt bulbs. Being suspicious can be helpful in this situation.
They are unemployed, yet drive an expensive car. If a tenant takes possession of the unit, regular inspections of the home's exterior could show you if a grow op is in operation, and if you catch if quickly, less damage will be done than if you miss the signs.
Signs to look for include:
Blocked windows that are covered in bed sheets, heavy curtains, or black plastic and are pushed up close to the windows. More than the usual amount of condensation on windows.
Odours coming from the home, possibly skunk-like or chemical in nature.
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.
Strange looking equipment or garbage outside the home, or things like potting soil, wiring, and bedding plant pots scattered around.
Hydro meters that have been tampered with.
Signs indicating there is a guard dog on duty.
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. Do everything you can in order to protect your rental property from major damages.
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