New figures indicate a sharp rise in cannabis farms operating from rented properties, prompting calls for landlords to enhance tenant checks. Some property owners have faced repair bills reaching six figures due to damage caused by these operations.
Data from Zurich UK reveals that fire service callouts to cannabis farms have more than tripled over the last decade. There were 17 callouts in 2015, which rose by 218% to a record 54 in 2024. Incidents remained near this peak in 2025, with fire services recording 50 attendances.
Zurich's Claims Investigation Unit has investigated 17 cannabis farm-related claims since January 2022, with a combined value of £9.4 million. These figures highlight a growing risk for landlords, as organised criminal groups are targeting empty shops, offices, and other commercial premises.
Cannabis cultivation operations often involve dangerous alterations to properties, including tampering with electrical systems and installing irrigation equipment that can cause water damage, damp, and mould. Unauthorised internal changes and ventilation systems can also lead to problems, potentially leaving landlords with months of reinstatement work.