‘Marijuana Friendly’ becomes popular rental criteria

Property management companies said they have seen an increase in the number of renters seeking ‘marijuana friendly’ homes to use or grow marijuana.

Property manager Brad Butler said the question has become so popular, he has added it to his rental application.

“I ask if they want to grow, distribute or cultivate marijuana,” said Butler.

He has seen an increased demand for homes that allow marijuana use and growth.

“I had more inquiries on every property than I have ever had before, people asking point blank of we would allow a grow operation,” said Butler.

However, his property owners remain hesitant.

“What’s the impact to the property in terms of mold damage from the hydoponics? Generally speaking there is so much unknown about it most owners are not willing to take that risk,” said Butler.

It turns out growing green, can cost a lot of green to clean up in both private and commercial properties.

Rich Coleman’s company Black Label Restoration Cleaning specializes in mold removal. He said his team has been called in to clean up mold after a grow operation.

“It did progress into a bigger situation as marijuana was legalized,” said Coleman.

He said grow operations can be the perfect place for mold to grow.

“When you mix moisture, heat and food, which is the building materials, you’re naturally going to get some type of growth there,” said Coleman.

However, he said some property owners do think the cash incentive is worth the risk.

“A lot of people are renting to these grow operations because it’s constant rental income and it has come about in the last few years that they are getting better ventilation systems so they don’t have to deal with the mold at the end,” said Coleman.

It’s ultimately up to property owners to decide if it’s allowed and address it in the rental agreement with their tenant.