Landlords face massive repair bills from cannabis farms

Landlords are facing repair bills reaching hundreds of thousands of pounds due to the rise of illegal cannabis farms in commercial properties, according to warnings from insurer Zurich UK.

Zurich UK investigated 17 cannabis farm-related claims totaling £9.4 million since January 2022. Beyond the well-known risk of fire, investigators reported damage from dangerous electrical alterations, water from irrigation systems, widespread damp and mould, and structural changes made to conceal growing operations. These activities often leave properties unusable for months during extensive reinstatement work.

Data indicates a significant increase in activity, with fire and rescue service attendances at suspected cannabis farms rising from 17 in 2015 to a record 54 in 2024. South Wales has been identified as a hotspot, with 90 suspected incidents recorded over seven years. Other areas with high attendance include Essex, Hereford, and Worcester. Home Office analysis identified 640 cannabis farm fires across the UK between 2019 and 2024.