How to Evict a Tenant Growing Cannabis (Cannabis Farms)

Renting your property out always carries an element of risk, because you are essentially giving a stranger a key to your home. Of course, preliminary checks can make sure that your tenant does not have a massive amount of debt, and is able to pay the rent, but choosing a tenant who behaves in an acceptable manner can be something of pot luck.

The media has often reported horror stories, where landlords have found that their tenants have been growing cannabis in their homes. Unfortunately, the number of people cultivating cannabis at home is, literally, growing.  There are numerous reasons why you should want to evict cannabis-growing tenants, not least because of the damage that might be done to your property. Tenants have been known to bypass main electricity supplies, in order to power lamps, to alter the structure of the property and if the tenant is also dealing cannabis from the property, your property might become an attraction for those who wish to buy drugs and engage in anti-social behaviour.  Moreover, the tenant is breaching their tenancy agreement if they grow drugs on the property.

Cannabis Farm Warning Signs

How would you know if the tenant was growing cannabis in your property?

Signs to look out for include the permanent covering of windows from the inside and visitors calling at all hours (to maintain the plants.) There may be a strong smell outside the property, and there might be a vent coming from a window, along with a noise (like running water), which might be the noise of the cooling fans. If you should find that your tenants are cultivating drugs, then  what can you do about it?

Evicting Tenants Quickly

Here at Evictions South East, we are professionals and used to dealing with problematic tenants. We can deal with the problem efficiently and cost effectively for you, meaning that you can gain control of your property fast, before any further damage is done. It is important not to confront the tenant, if you believe there is any chance of violence. Of course, cultivating cannabis is a criminal act and so the police should also be informed. In the meantime, here is some information regarding what happens should you find your tenant is growing cannabis in your property.

• The first thing that should be done if you find that your tenant is growing cannabis, is to contact the police and issue an eviction notice under the Housing Act, 1988.
• Cultivating cannabis is a criminal act and can be dealt with by using a Section 8 notice (which is often quicker than a section 21 notice).
• A section 8 notice can only be issues on certain grounds, but you will be pleased to hear that growing cannabis is certainly grounds for eviction!
• Often a possession order can be made and the tenant evicted by a judge immediately. In this case, the tenant may be expected to pay court costs.
  
  

Whatever the situation, there is no need to accept a tenant in your property who is breaking the law. The best thing to do is remember to stay safe, to not confront the tenant or antagonise them, and to seek the advice of a professional like Evictions South East.

QUICK CONTACT

Evictions SouthEast has a dedicated team of legal personnel ready to help you with your tenancy problems. We offer a free initial case review to give you some helpful information on how best to proceed with the case and what the likely outcome will be. Should you wish to proceed we will take on your case immediately with our transparent 3 step eviction process all based on a fixed fee pricing structure.

Evictions South East have a 100% success rate to date.