It is recommended that you inspect the interior
of your rented dwelling at least once every three months. Even if you
cannot access every part of the house, be aware of the indicators of
a grow operation:
- Windows totally covered (cardboard, tinfoil, black
plastic).
- Presence of a “Skunky” odour of mature
plants.
- Removal of exhaust stack from hot water tank to induce
carbon monoxide into the residence to disguise the odour & facilitate
plant growth.
- Ducting or ionizers installed to dispense odour.
- Hydro bypass and/or unusual wiring.
Little or no furniture in the residence.
- No normal residential activity (ie talking to neighbours)
- Rent is always paid in cash.
Most insurance policies contain a clause excluding coverage
for damage caused by tenants or their guests. This position stems from
the fact that renting a home is really considered a business risk &
that the property owner must accept responsibility of properly screening
the prospective tenant.
If an insurer does agree to cover a loss of this nature,
be aware that a deductible will apply to each "occurrence”.
If one act of vandalism is committed on the home one-day & another
act the following day, each “occurrence” is subject to the
policy deductible. Unless there is evidence to the contrary, the policy
deductible could apply to each item of the damage. In other words …
One claim cannot be made to cover an accumulation of damage to the residence.
When renting a home, advise the selected tenants of
the following:
Require the tenant to carry “Tenant’s Insurance”.
The premises will be inspected on a regular basis. Any evidence of a
grow operation will be reported to the police immediately.
Yours truly,
Bob Lane
President
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