LANDLORDS CAN'T SOLVE POT PROBLEM

The Editor,

Headlines in major news media today exemplify the frustration of many
municipalities throughout B.C. on the dangers of grow operations. Grow
operations and methamphetamine labs have been found in rental apartments,
condominiums, townhouses, single-family homes and commercial warehouses
throughout B.C.

As in the case of the Richmond city council, many municipalities have
implemented or are planning on implementing bylaws to punish landlords who
end up with grow-ops in their properties. Although with good intentions,
these bylaws still will not stop the grow operator because of the
significant profits realized from their illegal business. They will just
move on to another property and it will begin again. It takes 30 days to
raise a crop of marijuana.

The new Residential Tenancy Act, effective Jan. 1, 2004, gives more power to
landlords to protect their property and to evict a renter who may be or is,
involved in illegal activity. Landlords now have the right to inspect their
properties (inside and outside) once a month with proper notice (minimum 24
hours if served in person, three days if posted on the door).

Unfortunately the Residential Tenancy Act will not allow the landlord to
evict the renter immediately upon discovery of a grow operation. The notice
gives the renter one calendar month to move out.

A word of caution to landlords: if they suspect a grow operation (huge
electricity use, mould on the windows, unusual skunky odour, and an
unwillingness of the renter to allow inspection of the premises), contact
the police. Do not attempt to enter the premises on your own as there may a
booby-trap set up that could harm you.

There are important steps that a landlord must take to better protect their
properties and the neighbours of the rental property. Tenant screening is a
valuable tool to assist landlords. Tenant screening involves obtaining
references from at least two former landlords and employers, obtaining
picture identification and performing a credit check to verify key
information such as past addresses, credit history and also assists on
identifying the person who may be renting your property.

Inspect your rental properties on a regular basis. Inspect all rooms,
cupboards within the property. Before signing your tenancy agreement, advise
the prospective renter that you will be in to inspect the property within
the first month of tenancy. This will deter any person who has plans to use
your property for criminal activity.

The B.C. Apartment Owners and Managers Association represents landlords of
rental properties from single-family homes to large rental townhouses and
apartments. Providing ongoing education (on how to properly screen
prospective renters) to better protect their investment and also to assist
landlords to understand their rights and obligations. Being a landlord means
being in business.

Contact the B.C. Apartment Owners and Managers Association at 604.733.9440
or visit www.bcapartmentowners.com.

Laura Robertson Marketing manager, B.C. Apartment Owners and Managers
Association