When Cannabis Farming Moves in Next Door
It looked like a disused pub. Or an old hotel. Or just another rented house. But behind locked doors, it was a fully operational cannabis farm capable of producing over £1 million in illegal crops.
In June 2024, Roman Le, the head of an organised crime group, was found guilty of operating a network of at least eight cannabis factories across the Midlands, Northwest, and North Lincolnshire. The sites, which included residential, commercial, and even hospitality properties, were discreetly converted into high-yield grow houses capable of industrial-scale production.
The story made national headlines. But for landlords and letting agents, this isn’t just a news piece, it’s a warning.
Cannabis farms are increasingly being hidden inside rental properties, both occupied and vacant. And most aren’t discovered until the damage is already done.
The Hidden Threat Inside Rental Properties
Cannabis farming has evolved. What used to be small, amateur setups have become sophisticated, large-scale operations often run by organised crime groups. And the property of choice? Rented homes, flats, shops, and unused commercial units, many in perfectly normal neighbourhoods.
🧠 Why Rental Properties Are a Prime Target:
| Factor | Why It Attracts Gangs |
|---|---|
| Easy Access | Landlords often accept tenants with minimal checks, especially if they pay rent in advance |
| Privacy | Once the lease is signed, there’s limited visibility without inspections |
| Infrastructure | Residential properties have pre-installed electrics, water, heating |
| Speed | A grow can be set up in under a week, and harvested in 10–12 weeks |
| Low Risk | Landlords are often unaware for months, giving gangs time to profit |
The rise of “ghost tenants” (individuals renting under false names) and fake documents has made it even easier for gangs to rent a property without suspicion. In many cases, neighbours report odd behaviour long before landlords notice anything is wrong.
The physical damage left behind by a cannabis farm is extensive. But it’s the financial and legal consequences that are often worse.
🔥 Key Risks for Landlords:
- Severe electrical rewiring and fire hazards
- Moisture and damp from overuse of heat and water
- Holes in ceilings for ducting and extraction
- Removed floorboards and compromised structures
- Vandalism and abandoned equipment
- Voided insurance due to “lack of oversight”
- Legal scrutiny for failing to manage the property
🧾 Cost Breakdown of a Typical Cannabis Farm Cleanup:
| Damage Type | Average Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Electrical rewire & fuse board | £2,500 – £5,000 |
| Structural repairs (walls/floor) | £3,000 – £10,000 |
| Plumbing/heating damage | £1,500 – £3,000 |
| Damp & mould remediation | £2,000 – £6,000 |
| Professional cleaning/removal | £800 – £1,500 |
| Legal & admin fees | £1,000+ |
| Total | £10,800 – £26,500+ |
And that’s before accounting for lost rent and void periods.
What the Roman Le Case Tells Us
According to the National Crime Agency (NCA), Roman Le and his network operated farms in properties including:
- A disused nightclub in Coventry
- A former public house in Birmingham
- An old hotel in Lancashire
- A storage unit holding cannabis and growing equipment
One single site, the former Big Bamboo nightclub, housed over 1,500 cannabis plants, valued at more than £1 million.
Le and his co-defendants were observed visiting the sites, managing equipment, and harvesting cannabis before being arrested following coordinated raids.
Key Takeaways for Property Owners:
- These operations are not rare, they’re expanding
- Normal buildings in residential or mixed-use areas are common targets
- Surveillance, false identities, and deliberate deception are part of the strategy
- It’s happening under landlords’ noses
professional Vacant Prtoperty Insoections
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How Property Inspections Can Prevent Cannabis Farms
Cannabis farms don’t appear overnight, they’re installed quickly, but often show early warning signs. The only way to detect them early is through in-person inspections.
🔎 What We Look for in Inspections:
- Blacked-out windows or boarded glass
- Strong odours, chemical smells, or air freshener overload
- Signs of condensation or mould from excess humidity
- High electricity use or bypassed meters
- Avoidant tenants, no access, or denied entry
- DIY ventilation systems or extractor fans
- Hot patches on walls (visible with thermal detection)
Regular inspections can identify unusual patterns or behaviour before damage becomes unmanageable.
The Role of Letting Agents and Landlords
⚖️ Your Legal Responsibility:
Under the Housing Act 2004 and licensing conditions in many boroughs, landlords and managing agents are required to:
- Ensure properties are safe and habitable
- Inspect properties at reasonable intervals
- Prevent illegal activity
- Document findings and keep accurate records
Failing to inspect or maintain oversight can lead to prosecution, loss of licence, or denied insurance claims.
When Should Properties Be Inspected?
🔁 Recommended Inspection Frequencies:
| Property Type | Recommended Frequency | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Residential Tenancy | Every 3–6 months | Catch tenancy breaches or damage early |
| HMO / Shared Accommodation | Every 2–3 months | Higher turnover and wear & tear |
| Vacant Property | Every 7–14 days | Insurer requirement and cannabis risk |
| High-Risk Areas or Past Issues | Monthly or as needed | Increased scrutiny or enforcement risk |
What to Do If You Suspect a Cannabis Farm
If you’re a landlord, agent, or neighbour and something doesn’t feel right, act cautiously and professionally.
🚫 DO NOT:
- Enter the property without notice
- Confront suspected occupants
- Try to disable or remove equipment yourself
✅ DO:
- Notify local authorities or the police
- Document any external signs (photos if safe)
- Contact your insurer
- Schedule a professional inspection
- Follow lawful tenant access procedures
Our Services: Property Inspections That Protect You
At Leisure Guard, we carry out Landlord Property Inspections and Vacant Property Inspections across the Northwest and Greater Manchester region. Our services are discreet, professional, and designed to help landlords meet their legal duties while protecting their investments.
🛡️ What We Offer:
| Service Type | Included Features | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Landlord Property Inspection | Interior/exterior review, photo report, legal compliance checks | Letting agents, buy-to-let landlords, portfolio managers |
| Vacant Property Inspection (VPI) | Weekly/fortnightly site checks, tamper signs, utility risks, insurer logs | Empty properties, refurbishments, probate, repossessions |
| Mid-Term Tenancy Checks | Condition updates, tenancy breaches, subletting/cannabis warning signs | Occupied rentals on 6–12 month agreements |
| Keyholding & Access Support | Secure key storage, access facilitation for inspections, trades, emergencies | Remote landlords or agents with large portfolios |
Landlord Property Inspection Services
Stay compliant, avoid costly surprises, and protect your property from just £80 + VAT.
Get started with a free consultation today.
Final Thought: “It Won’t Happen to Me” Is the Real Risk
The Roman Le case is proof that no property type is off-limits. If organised gangs can turn hotels, pubs, and shops into million-pound cannabis factories, they can do the same with your rental flat, empty home, or shopfront unit.
Regular property inspections don’t just reduce your risk, they protect your tenants, your finances, your licence, and your reputation.
📞 Ready to Protect Your Properties?
Contact Leisure Guard today to schedule a professional property inspection or speak with us about safeguarding your portfolio from illegal use.
👉 0800 035 6607
👉 info@leisureguardsecurity.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions About National Rural Crime
What are the signs a tenant might be running a cannabis farm?
Common signs include covered windows, strong smells, condensation, unusual wiring or ventilation, frequent visitors at odd hours, and tenants refusing access. If utilities are unusually high or mail is addressed to different names, it could also be a red flag.
Can landlords be held responsible for cannabis farms in their properties?
Yes, indirectly. While landlords aren’t criminally liable if unaware, they may face issues with insurance claims, council enforcement, or property damage costs, especially if inspections were not carried out regularly.
How often should I inspect a rental property to reduce this risk?
Every 3–6 months is standard, but in high-risk areas or properties with a history of issues, inspections every 2–3 months are advised. Vacant properties should be checked every 7–14 days to meet insurer requirements.
Do cannabis farms affect property insurance claims?
Yes. Many insurance providers will deny claims if it’s proven the landlord did not take reasonable steps to monitor the property. Regular inspections provide a documented trail of diligence.
What’s the average cost of cleaning up after a cannabis farm?
It ranges from £10,000 to £25,000+ depending on electrical rewiring, structural repairs, damp treatment, and professional cleaning. Some cases involve total property refurbishment.
Can letting agents prevent this issue on behalf of landlords?
Only if they conduct proper tenant referencing, mid-term inspections, and report risks. Relying on agents without clear agreements and scheduled checks is risky, landlords must ensure these services are provided.
Is it legal to enter my property for inspections during a tenancy?
Yes, but only with proper notice, usually 24 to 48 hours in writing. Tenants must be informed, and the visit must be at a reasonable time. Always record access details and tenant responses.
What happens if a tenant refuses inspections?
This could be a warning sign. Persistent refusal may indicate illegal activity. Landlords should document refusals and seek legal advice if access is continually denied, and notify police if they suspect a crime.
Are vacant properties at risk too?
Absolutely. Organised crime groups often target empty homes for setup, particularly where there’s no alarm system, patrols, or VPI service in place. A disused building can be converted within days.
What should I do if I suspect my property is being used as a cannabis farm?
Do not confront the tenant. Notify the police immediately and seek legal advice. Document any suspicions and refuse to extend the tenancy. Arrange for professional inspections and evidence capture.
How does your inspection service help landlords prevent this?
We provide routine, documented inspections with photographic reports and detailed condition assessments. We’re trained to spot early warning signs and escalate issues appropriately, giving landlords peace of mind and a legal audit trail.
Is a vacant property inspection different from a standard rental check?
Yes. VPIs are conducted more frequently and focus on signs of break-ins, squatting, tampering, and environmental hazards. They’re often a requirement for maintaining valid insurance on empty properties.
