Landlords 'must report illegal activities'

News Category: Legal

Landlords need to be careful that their properties are not being used as 'drug factories' a local police force has warned.

Hampshire police said that landlords who turn a blind eye to illegal activity going on in their properties face prosecution and fines.

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, a landlord or property manager could face up to 14 years in prison if they allow the production of controlled substances to go on in their rented accommodation.

Furthermore, landlords who ignore illegal activities could find the property seized by authorities.

Hampshire Constabulary's drugs intelligence manager, DS Andy Waite, said: "Those who own the premises involved leave themselves open to possible prosecution and imprisonment, forfeiture of the premises, or at the very least, huge bills for clean-up operations.

"Owners and agents need to be sure that they are taking proper steps to ensure that they know who they are renting property to, and that they are not using the premises for illegal purposes."

In the last 12 months, 87 cannabis factories have been discovered in properties across Hampshire, with the majority sited in rented accommodation.