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Landlords should be
super-vigilant about what their tenants get up to, after a 30%
increase in insurance claims related to cannabis farming in rental
properties.
Matthew Gordon,
underwriting manager at insurers Aviva, said: “We settled 92
cannabis farming claims last year, which is the highest number Aviva
has ever recorded.
“Cannabis farming
comes with serious risks for landlords. Properties can be completely
ruined inside to make space for plants, water damage can occur, and
fire is a risk due to interference with electrics or strong lighting
left on for a long time.
“There are some
simple steps that can be taken. We would advise thorough checks on
tenants and regular visits to properties – both internal and
external inspections. Permanently closed curtains, blacked-out
windows and strong smells are all signs that there may be a cannabis
factory on the premises.”
Aviva automatically
covers damage caused by cannabis farming as long as a number of
procedures are in place. These include obtaining written employers’
references and verified records of a bank account for new tenants, as
well as a log of property inspections.
Gordon said: “It’s
important that property owners have adequate insurance and that they
take ‘reasonable precautions’ to prevent any damage occurring.
“Employing a letting
agent to manage the tenant-vetting process and provide an inspection
service on the landlord’s behalf is a good option, as insurers
could refuse a claim if a landlord has been found to neglect their
responsibilities.”
www.rla.org.uk
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