It seems that your prospective tenant is just what you're looking for. He says he'll deliver the rent to you in cash each month, and isn't overly concerned with the amenities in the home. This appears to be perfect, right? Wrong. Things like this should be huge red flags.
In Canada, marijuana grow ops in rental properties are causing landlords major problems. Homes can be damaged irreparably when a grow op is operated inside a rental unit. The conclusion that these people come to is usually to do this on someone else's property to avoid personal risk.
Since a grow op is illegal, there could be dangerous weapons on hand. The risk of fire is greatly increased when wiring is tampered with, and hydro meters are bypassed. Mould is a typical result from the excess humidity in the home because of the water required in growing marijuana.
Generally, if your tenants have caused this damage, your insurance will not protect you. Your property could be completely destroyed by fire, or could be unliveable due to mould or other modifications made for this illegal activity.
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. 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.
Make sure they show you proper identification. And record the information. Let them know that you'll be doing monthly exterior inspections. And you reserve the right to do interior inspections with the proper notice. 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.
Advise them that you know your neighbours. Tell them that you talk to neighbours frequently. When tenants are aware that the neighbors will be talking to the landlord, criminal-minded tenants will probably move on to a different rental. Be at the home on the date when the tenants are moving in. If you do this, you will be able to ascertain if they are truly moving in, and can go over the rental agreement once again with them.
Noticing when things look suspicious
You should be wary if:
The tenants want to pay rents in cash. And if they offer you more rent than you're asking for, consider it a warning sign that something may be fishy. They're more interested in the electrical panel than in the layout of the home. If this is the case, they could be planning how they're going to alter the wiring to handle several 1000 watt bulbs. If you see these signs, be suspicious.
They are unemployed, yet drive an expensive car. Once your tenants have moved in, regular exterior inspections may reveal a grow op, hopefully before too much damage is done to your rental property.
These are signs you should look for:
Windows covered with black plastic, bed sheets, or heavy curtains that are drawn tightly shut, and are pressed up against the windows. More than the usual amount of condensation on windows.
Odd smells coming from the home like strong chemicals, or a skunk-like scent.
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.
Garbage or equipment, such as bedding plant pots, discarded potting soil, piping, or wiring lying about the yard.
Hydro meters that have been tampered with.
Guard dogs are sometimes a sign of illegal activity.
Marijuana grow ops can completely destroy your rental property leaving you with a massive repair bill, and often no insurance coverage. 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. Homes can be damaged irreparably when a grow op is operated inside a rental unit. The conclusion that these people come to is usually to do this on someone else's property to avoid personal risk.
Since a grow op is illegal, there could be dangerous weapons on hand. The risk of fire is greatly increased when wiring is tampered with, and hydro meters are bypassed. Mould is a typical result from the excess humidity in the home because of the water required in growing marijuana.
Generally, if your tenants have caused this damage, your insurance will not protect you. Your property could be completely destroyed by fire, or could be unliveable due to mould or other modifications made for this illegal activity.
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. 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.
Make sure they show you proper identification. And record the information. Let them know that you'll be doing monthly exterior inspections. And you reserve the right to do interior inspections with the proper notice. 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.
Advise them that you know your neighbours. Tell them that you talk to neighbours frequently. When tenants are aware that the neighbors will be talking to the landlord, criminal-minded tenants will probably move on to a different rental. Be at the home on the date when the tenants are moving in. If you do this, you will be able to ascertain if they are truly moving in, and can go over the rental agreement once again with them.
Noticing when things look suspicious
You should be wary if:
The tenants want to pay rents in cash. And if they offer you more rent than you're asking for, consider it a warning sign that something may be fishy. They're more interested in the electrical panel than in the layout of the home. If this is the case, they could be planning how they're going to alter the wiring to handle several 1000 watt bulbs. If you see these signs, be suspicious.
They are unemployed, yet drive an expensive car. Once your tenants have moved in, regular exterior inspections may reveal a grow op, hopefully before too much damage is done to your rental property.
These are signs you should look for:
Windows covered with black plastic, bed sheets, or heavy curtains that are drawn tightly shut, and are pressed up against the windows. More than the usual amount of condensation on windows.
Odd smells coming from the home like strong chemicals, or a skunk-like scent.
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.
Garbage or equipment, such as bedding plant pots, discarded potting soil, piping, or wiring lying about the yard.
Hydro meters that have been tampered with.
Guard dogs are sometimes a sign of illegal activity.
Marijuana grow ops can completely destroy your rental property leaving you with a massive repair bill, and often no insurance coverage. Take the necessary steps to minimize the risks of occurrences like these.
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