GROW OP DISCLOSURE WOULD PROTECT HOME BUYERS

The battle to rid Richmond of marijuana grow ops could soon receive a boost
that will not only protect home buyers, but urge homeowners to keep their
property clear of the lucrative leafy crop.

The Richmond Review has learned that the Canadian Real Estate Association
sent out recommendations this week to real estate associations across the
country, urging that real estate agreements of sale include a new clause
disclosing whether a property has been used to grow marijuana or for
criminal activity.

Bob Linney, manager of communications for the real estate association, said
it is now up to real estate associations in each province to decide whether
they want to adopt the recommendation.

A growing number of requests for clarification on the responsibility of
realtors regarding grow ops prompted a months-long look at the issue, which
wrapped up with a number of recommendations. Specifically, the association
received queries about marijuana from B.C., Alberta and Ontario, Linney said.

Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver wasn't ready Friday to comment on
the recommendation because it was only circulated this week and no internal
discussions have been held yet.

Richmond RCMP Cpl. Peter Thiessen said the new recommendation would enable
home buyers to make informed decisions before purchasing a property that in
the past may have been used to grow marijuana.

"Certainly that's a very positive step that would protect innocent victims."

Police have long expressed concerns that the growing number of grow rips
(where groups of bandits, some brandishing sawed-off shotguns and wearing
bullet-proof vests, search for marijuana grow operations to rip off) could
eventually result in innocent people being hurt or killed.

The chief concern is that these grow rippers will make a mistake and target
the wrong house.

That's exactly what happened on Monday morning, when a group of armed teens
broke into a house on Montana Road, apparently looking to steal marijuana
from a home that had previously grown the illegal crop. Four men, all aged
18 to 20, have been arrested and charged with robbery and possession of an
imitation weapon.

On Friday, one homeowner told The Richmond Review she purchased a house in
September and only later found out it had been used to grow marijuana. But
she's not fearful her house will be mistaken for a grow op because she's
done major renovation work to it.

Richmond Coun. Derek Dang welcomed the recommendations and believes it will
have an impact on the prices of homes that were previously used to grow
marijuana.

"I think it's a good idea," said Dang, who is also a local realtor.

This is the first time he's heard of the recommendation, but said the city
has been thinking along those lines in the past. "I think it's a good to
hear other bodies are thinking along the same terms."

Dang thinks that the disclosure requirement will protect home buyers and
will also prompt property owners to become a little more diligent in
ensuring their rentals aren't converted into greenhouses.

"There's an inherent danger of not knowing what the house was used for
before someone moves in."

While there will always be people who will buy a home irrespective of its
history, Dang said the vast majority of home buyers will choose to avoid a
home with a nefarious past.

Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie said if a property owner is required to
disclose the condition of the roof, or any structural defects, it makes
sense to also indicate whether the house has been used to grow marijuana.

"From the city's point of view, it's a good idea. I see that as a very
positive move," Brodie said, adding that the city should look more closely
at the recommendations and consider whether to publicly support their
incorporation by local real estate boards.

But Brodie said renters also need to be protected, believing that rental
agreements should also include a similar disclosure. "It's pertinent to
know if it's been a grow op."

He agreed such a change would likely result in property owners becoming
"more vigilant about what's going on (in their homes)." "Grow ops are such
a problem in our community."