Legal pot spooks apartment landlords

October 19, 2017

Landlord BC and other landlord groups across the country are worried about the legal and safety aspects that may follow the legalization of marijuana in Canada next year.
In Quebec, the Quebec Association of Landlords (APQ) is warning that the federal government's plan hasn't taken apartment buildings into account.
said that more and more tenants are looking for smoke-free apartments, and he says the odour of marijuana will be a real nuisance for many.
The APQ is also concerned of the danger that could arise from people legally growing up to four marijuana plants in their home, pointing out that many landlords already have to deal with their property being destroyed by grow-ops, with poorly-rigged electrical installations, high humidity causing mold, and other issues.
A poll of landlords conducted by the landlords' corporation of Quebec, showed that 81 per cent are worried or very worried that police will not be enforcing laws about marijuana cultivation or use.
A near unanimity of landlords—94 percent—have little or no confidence that rental boards will be able to make tenants respect laws about growing plants or security.
David Hutniak, CEO of Landlord BC, said there are also insurance issues to worry about—and insurance companies agree.
Any grow-op larger than a few plants on a windowsill could affect insurance coverage, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. “Insurers are beginning to look at how changes in laws might affect the coverage they offer. The operation of a grow-op is a high-risk activity,” said the bureau’s spokesman Andrew McGrath.