Cannabis farms cause rising damage and costs for UK landlords
Insurance data reveals a sharp increase in cannabis farm-related incidents in rental properties, with landlords facing extensive damage and costly repairs. Fire and rescue services have recorded a significant rise in attendances at suspected cannabis farms over the past decade.
New figures from Zurich UK show a 218% increase in fire and rescue attendances at suspected or confirmed cannabis farms, rising from 17 incidents in 2015 to 54 in 2024. The insurer has investigated claims totalling £9.4 million linked to 17 cannabis farm cases since 2022.
The problem remains severe, with 50 attendances recorded in 2025, close to the 2024 peak. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service reported the highest number of attendances over seven years, with 90 incidents, followed by Essex County and Hereford and Worcester services. The Home Office also identified 640 cannabis farm fires across the UK between 2019 and 2024.
Details of cannabis farm incidents and landlord impact
According to Stewart Powell, Regional Major Loss Lead at Zurich UK, the damage caused by cannabis farms extends far beyond fire risks. Electrical alterations made to support illegal grow operations often create dangerous hazards, while irrigation systems cause extensive water damage. Landlords frequently encounter widespread damp and mould problems, as well as structural changes intended to conceal the farms.
These alterations and damages mean landlords often face months of disruption and repair costs running into hundreds of thousands of pounds before properties can be safely re-let. The rise in cannabis farms in rented homes and vacant commercial premises has intensified the risks and financial exposure for landlords.
Fire and rescue data obtained through freedom of information requests by Zurich highlights the growing scale of the issue. Between 2019 and 2024, incidents increased by 59%, reflecting a broader trend of illegal cannabis production migrating into the private rented sector.
Context of rising cannabis farm risks in the private rented sector
The increase in cannabis farms in rental properties poses complex challenges for landlords and letting agents. These illegal operations often exploit vulnerabilities in property management, including inadequate tenant vetting and limited property inspections. The damage caused can render properties uninhabitable, affecting rental income and property values.
Landlords must also contend with the reputational risks and potential legal complications associated with cannabis farms on their properties. While the fire risk is well known, the hidden structural and environmental damage can be difficult to detect until significant harm has occurred.
This trend adds to the broader regulatory and compliance pressures faced by landlords, who must balance tenant rights with property protection. The increasing sophistication of illegal cannabis cultivation means landlords need to be vigilant and proactive in managing their portfolios.
Practical implications for landlords and agents
Landlords should enhance their due diligence processes when selecting tenants, including thorough referencing and ongoing property inspections. Early detection of unusual property modifications or signs of damp and mould can prevent more severe damage.
Insurance cover should be reviewed carefully to ensure it includes protection against cannabis farm-related damage. Landlords may need to work closely with insurers to understand claim processes and documentation requirements for such incidents.
Letting agents can play a crucial role by advising landlords on risk management strategies and helping to monitor properties effectively. Regular communication with tenants and prompt investigation of complaints or concerns about property alterations can mitigate risks.
Remaining uncertainties and landlord considerations
The full scale of cannabis farm activity in the private rented sector remains difficult to quantify, as many cases go undetected. Changes in policing and enforcement priorities could influence the frequency of incidents and the associated risks for landlords.
Government policy responses and potential legislative changes targeting cannabis farms may affect landlord responsibilities and liabilities. Landlords should stay informed about regulatory developments and seek professional advice where necessary.
Given the complexity of damage caused by cannabis farms, landlords must consider the potential long-term impact on property condition and value. Repair costs can be substantial, and the process of restoring properties to safe, habitable standards requires careful planning and budgeting.
What landlords should do now
- Review tenant vetting and referencing procedures to reduce the risk of illegal activity on properties.
- Conduct regular and thorough property inspections, looking for signs of electrical alterations, damp, mould, or structural changes.
- Ensure insurance policies explicitly cover cannabis farm-related damage and understand claim requirements.
- Keep detailed records of inspections, communications, and any remedial actions taken to support potential insurance claims or legal processes.
- Stay updated on government guidance and enforcement trends regarding cannabis farms in rental properties.
Supporting landlords with compliance and risk management
The Landlord Association (TLA) offers members access to practical compliance resources and guidance tailored to emerging risks such as cannabis farms. Through TLA membership, landlords and letting agents can explore support materials that help identify and manage property hazards, maintain records of inspections and repairs, and prepare for insurance claims.
TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently available in BETA testing, is designed to assist landlords in organising property portfolios and managing documentation. Features relevant to cannabis farm risks include tools for recording inspections, monitoring property condition, and accessing up-to-date compliance resources. ORBIT aims to centralise property management information, helping landlords keep evidence of compliance activity and respond promptly to potential issues.
Members can explore TLA membership options and learn more about ORBIT BETA access to strengthen their approach to property risk management in a changing regulatory environment.
Looking ahead, landlords should anticipate ongoing challenges from illegal cannabis cultivation and adapt their management practices accordingly. Staying informed and proactive will be essential to protect rental income and property assets.
Sources: Landlord Today
TLA - The Landlord Association