Preventing Marijuana Grow Operations:

What every Landlord should know...

The number of Marijuana Grow operations has increased dramatically, and the primary locations for these illegal operations are in residential rental properties.

The means to prevent a tenant from starting up a grow lab are simple and non-intrusive. By screening prospective tenants and conducting regular inspections of your property, you can virtually eliminate the likelihood of a grow operation being set up.

A marijuana grower will not take the chance of losing their investment of equipment and crop if they believe that the landlord is going to check the rental property on a regular basis!

Make it a habit to inspect the outside of your property monthly. If you wish to inspect the interior of the home, give proper notice, as required in The Residential Tenancies Act. If you suspect or discover a grow operation. DO NOT confront your tenant, contact the police immediately.

Tips for Landlords...

• Get to know you neighbors:
• Let them know your property is a rental. Ask them to keep an eye on it and give them your phone number so they can contact you.
• Screen Prospective Tenants:
• Check and record identification.
• Check their references.
• Make it a requirement of their lease that they must carry tenants insurance.
• Advise them verbally and in your lease that you check your property regularly (with proper notice).
• Let them know you have regular contact with neighbors.
• Ask which tenant will be signing for Hydro and Telephone.
• Be there when tenants move in.
• Do not accept cash payments for rent.
• Consider applicant volunteer to undergo a criminal record check.
• By asking these questions, you will reduce the chance of a marijuana grower renting your property. It is better to lose a months rent now rather than renting it in haste and putting you investment at risk!
• Check your property at least once every four to five weeks:

A simple walk around the exterior of the house is sufficient in most cases to detect signs of a grow lab. If you discover some of the following indicators listed, contact the police or consider giving notice for a more thorough inspection:

What to look for...

• Homes that do not appear to be lived in ( may have little or no furniture in the main living areas ), but may have occasional visitors ( 1 or 2 times weekly ) at unusual hours.
• Homes that are lived in, but never have lights on in the majority of basement windows.
• Windows ( particularly in basements ) that are always dark, boarded up or otherwise blacked out.
• Skunk-like or air-freshener odors in the air, often at the same time each day or night.
• Humming noise or motorized fan noises.
• Discarded potting soil, small plastic "bedding" plant-type pots, one gallon plastic pots.
• Scraps of heavy plastic, 4" & 6" dryer hose, cut pieces of garden hose.
• Lawns unkempt compared to neighboring houses.

A Handy Checklist to Screen Prospective Tenants...

• Checked all references, including past landlords?
• Checked and recorded the identification of the tenants?
• Informed them that you will be doing monthly external inspections?
• Informed them that you reserve the right to do interior inspections with due notice?
• Confirmed exactly who is residing at the premises in addition to the tenant ( if anyone )?
• Obtained the tenants signature on a lease agreement, which stipulates that the tenant must carry an insurance policy?
• Informed your neighbors that you are renting the property and have left them a phone number in case of emergency?
• Informed SaskPower that you would like the bill to be in the tenant's name only?
• Confirmed that you will be personally picking up the rent cheque monthly at the residence? ( No cash payments )?