Yet another government guide has been launched for agents and landlords - this time it's telling of the consequences of investment properties being used as cannabis farms.
The guide comes as the number of cannabis plants seized by UK police in the past two years tops the one million mark.
Agents and landlords are told in no uncertain terms of the risks they run if their properties are used as farms.
Under Section 8 of the Misuse of Drugs Act anyone concerned with property management can receive a maximum of 14 years in prison and/or a fine if they knowingly allow the production of controlled drugs to take place in rented accommodation.
Landlords could also be prosecuted for proceeds of crime or money laundering offences or have assets seized and confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act in some cases.
The guide reveals some tell-tale signs of a cannabis farm, including:
- a strong and sickly sweet smell, not necessarily the same as the smell of cannabis being smoked;
- lighting or ventilation equipment being brought into a property, or a constant buzz of ventilation or large ducting tubes protruding out of windows;
- windows being blacked out and any indication of strong lighting being used, even during daylight;
- high levels of heat and condensation, resulting in peeling paint or mildewed wallboard or carpet;
- sudden jumps or falls in electricity bills;
- and substantial volumes of vegetable material being thrown away or dumped in the garden.
But the guide - written by police and the Home Office with support from the NLA - makes it clear that agents should not tackle suspected offenders directly because there may be booby traps set to slow down access and thus give time for the occupants to escape.
The advice is simple - call the police.
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