Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Team from a report by Landlord Today. Read the original article for full details.
Lettings agent jailed for using landlords' properties as cannabis factories
A lettings agent has been jailed for more than eight years after using landlords' properties to run 19 cannabis factories, according to a report by Landlord Today.
Sarfraz Farooq, who ran Condor Estates, was sentenced to eight years and four months' imprisonment for his role in the cannabis conspiracy and related fraudulent activity.
The case shows why thorough tenant referencing, regular property inspections and accurate mid-term inventories matter. Landlords entrusting properties to an agent expect proper oversight, and unexplained gaps in inspection records or inaccessible tenancies can be warning signs worth investigating.
Letting agents should ensure inspection visits are genuinely carried out, that inventory clerks are alert to signs of unauthorised property use, and that any concerns are escalated promptly — both to landlords and, where appropriate, to the authorities.
Source: Landlord Today