Could Your Tenant Be Running a Drug Operation?

Covert drug operations have become a cancer pervading Canadian society. From hidden marijuana grow ops to meth labs, an honest homeowner has much to fear when renting out property. Being unaware of such activity will not only decrease the value of your home but also put you at risk for incarceration. Even worse, drug operations are often unsafe for bystanders and can pose a significant health hazard. How can you spot illegal activity before it gets out of hand?

An early warning sign that could flag suspicious activity is blacked out windows. If your tenant is uneasy about permitting visitors or if visitors are only allowed in a controlled manner, this is a cause for concern. You may even spot unusual attempts at ensuring security such as placing video cameras. These should also serve as a warning of potentially illegal activity being conducted on the premises. Even without entering the house quarters, you may be able to smell the pungent odors of the drug being produced.

You may also see evidence of yellow or red chemical stains on the interior of the property. You may also encounter a large quantity of equipment used in drug production such as pressure cookers, thermometers, and electric lights. Pay attention for any unusual holes in the foundation or the wall as these likely indicate electrical rewiring done to power the operation. Smoke alarms may also be deactivated or removed entirely to minimize suspicion.

Even if you take all precautions, there is no way to guarantee that your property will not be used for illegal drug cultivation. One way to stay informed is to invest in a Toronto home inspection with AllMax. Our home inspectors have extensive knowledge about drug operations and can educate you about the warning signs of such activity. More importantly, we can also tell you how to remediate any property damage so as to minimize the impact on your property value.

Do not let an unscrupulous tenant make you pay for their mistakes. Invest in an AllMax Toronto home inspection today and learn what options are at your disposal. After all, it is always better to be safe than to be sorry!