Cannabis farms on the rise as landlords count the cost
Summary
The article reports a rise in cannabis farm incidents and associated property damage, with insurers and fire services highlighting significant repair costs, vacancy periods and safety risks for landlords. It notes that organised criminal groups are increasingly using vacant commercial premises and disguising operations as legitimate businesses, making detection more difficult at the letting stage.
Why it matters
Surveyors may encounter properties affected by illicit cultivation where electrical tampering, damp, mould and structural alterations create serious safety and reinstatement issues. The article is relevant to pre-letting inspections, defect identification and advising on the condition and reoccupation readiness of damaged premises.
Key points
- Zurich UK reviewed 17 cannabis farm-related claims worth £9.4 million since January 2022.
- Fire and rescue callouts to suspected or identified cannabis farms rose 218% between 2015 and 2024.
- Damage can include electrical alterations, water ingress, damp and mould, and structural changes.
- Landlords may face months of disruption and repair bills running into hundreds of thousands of pounds.
- Warning signs include unusual tenant behaviour, blocked inspections, blacked-out windows and unexplained electrical changes.
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