By Steve Roulstone
Like all good Letting Agents, we carry out property visits to ensure that our Tenants are looking after the home and living in line with their Tenancy agreement. We are used to looking for evidence of unofficial Tenants, would easily spot any Tenant growing cannabis, but have found a property we manage used for the storage of drugs and that has proven to discover what the house is being used for in these circumstances is a big challenge.
First indication.
The first we knew of a problem at the house was a phone call from the local CID advising us they had suspicions concerning activity of a house in a quiet country location. This was both a heads up but also a request to allow them to go about their business following a raid at the property. They later confirmed that drugs and a large amount of money had been found and seized from the house.
Information.
This was followed up with a visit to our offices where they gathered information about the Tenant, rent payments and our knowledge of what was happening at the property. We were able to supply information which we believe was of use and hand over keys to avoid any further damage and ensure the house was securely locked.
Property inspection.
A week later, with the knowledge that little damage had been caused and confirmation from the police that the house had not been abused and was in good order, we were able to visit the property and officially check out the Tenant at their request and see for ourselves just how the drugs had been stored.
Fridge Freezers.
Now forgive me, but I have no knowledge of how and where drugs can be stored, but as soon as we opened the fridge and freezer doors, it became evident just what the appliances had been used for. The issue for us was that we had been to carry out a property visit some two months prior and because the house was being looked after and all was clean, as you would expect, we had no indication of the problem. Because the appliances belonged to the Tenant, we would also have no intention of looking in the fridges to check how they were being used. But as soon as we opened them now, even though they had long been emptied, the smell was overpowering!
Systems.
This situation, which is subject of a review of our practises as I write this, is a warning for us all. We have no right to open fridges, washing machines, cupboards and draws or look in boxes, cases or even envelopes that are the property of the Tenant and nobody would expect us to. Cooker yes, because that is always the property of the Landlord, but we need to be aware of the possibility, for if nothing else, this incident has, to say the least, sharpened our focus.
Aftermath.
Thankfully, the Tenant who is obviously the subject of ongoing Police enquiries (about which this is not the place to comment) was most co-operative and the property will be marketed again without delay. What we must do is build safeguards in to our system, without over-reacting to what has happened, that will ensure we keep our eyes open at all times to possible signs and the Police have been most helpful in discussing the matter with us. What it has proven though, is that ensuring a house is used for its correct permitted usage, remains as difficult as ever!
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