Creating Good Vibes & Rules That Your Tenants Will Abide.
Cannabis’ legalization is nigh and that’s harshing the mellow of some BC homeowners with secondary suites.
Dank, mold covered walls and exposed electrical wiring which we’ve all seen in multiple grow-op bust videos on the news have created legitimate fears of what cannabis or marijuana can do to a home.
Owners have also expressed worry about the smell associated with cannabis’ usage, and wonder what will happen if tenants decide to light up.
Fortunately, we can all chill out thanks to clear BC legislation, particularly Bill 30. Just a little understanding of these new, simple rules will make being a landlord an excellent adventure.
When Canada Day, or ‘Cannabis Day’ rolls around, ‘no smoking’ rules won’t be blunted. Tenant agreements stipulating ‘no smoking’ and/or any tobacco usage automatically carries over to cannabis, prohibiting its usage.
However, new tenancy agreements will need to specifically mention cannabis usage or have a broad statement such as LandlordBC’s suggested ban of the “smoking and vaping of all combustible materials.”
Nip Growth In The Bud
After extensive conversation, the BC government is retroactively prohibiting cannabis growth and cultivation in rental suites.
Even if an existing tenancy agreement does not have a clause preventing ‘canna-culture,’ homeowners are legally safeguarded against it. However, all new tenancy agreements must specifically state that cannabis growth is not allowed.
If you’d like to grow cannabis yourself, make sure it’s done in accordance with the law. Ensure plants are not near windows and are not visible to the outside.
Get New Papers
If you’re a landlord, take a moment to update your tenancy papers to reflect these changes. It’s as simple as stating, ‘no smoking and vaping of all combustible materials,’ and ‘no cultivation of cannabis or its derivatives.’
And as always, whether you’re a tenant or homeowner, open communication during this legalization process is the totally righteous way to go.