Protect your investment from the drug dealer
Advice for landlords
Criminals will do what they can to avoid being caught, so they try not to use their own houses to grow, store or even deal drugs from.
They can reduce the risk of getting caught by using your rental property instead!
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is concerned that organised crime gangs are doing just this. We want to work with you to protect your investment and in turn you can help us to make our communities safer.
Download our advice for landlords leaflet (PDF, 1.3 MB)
The cost to you...
- Reduction in property value - reputation of the neighbourhood suffers.
- Loss of rent - during eviction or repair periods.
- Damage to property - set up of equipment, neglect.
- Increased insurance premiums.
- Complaints from neighbours.
- A criminal conviction - allowing your property to be used to produce drugs is a crime.
What to look for?
- Strong unpleasant or chemical odours
- Smell of air fresheners
- Chemistry equipment
- Sophisticated weighing scales
- Infrequent occupation
- Additional fortifications e.g. doors
- Electrical wiring having been tampered with
- Powerful lights on all day / night
- Windows blacked out
- A jump / fall in electricity bills
- Condensation on windows or peeling paint
- Domestic 'tumble dryer' tubing
- Bin bags full of vegetable waste
- An increase in the number of people calling at the house
What can you do?
Screen potential applicants
- Seek photo identification
- Check it is not fake
- Contact referees
- Obtain contact telephone numbers
- Visit the property two weeks after the applicant moves in to ensure the person renting it is living there. Sometimes criminals use a 'front couple' who disappear after the rental has been agreed.
- Check your property regularly
- Seek payment through a standing order as opposed to cash
Speak with the neighbourhood who can contact you with their concerns. Report your concerns to the police.
If you have any suspicions please contact:
- Drugs Squad 028 9025 9422
- Local police 0845 600 8000
- Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
