Officers were called to the address this week and found the remnants of a large-scale growing operation hidden inside the home. The property had been rented out for six months, during which time the landlord made no visits and held no written tenancy agreement.
Police say the landlord was first approached by a man he did not know, who offered cash and a down‑payment to secure the property. All further contact was made by text message. No identification, references or paperwork were taken before the keys were handed over.
The landlord told officers he had concerns during the tenancy but did not report them to local PCSOs or police before discovering the damage.
PC Scott Pearson, South Wales Police, said illegal activity had gone unnoticed because basic checks were not carried out.
“Due to not properly checking and vetting the new tenants along with missed opportunities to follow up via regular visits, it is clear that the illegal activity was not known about or recognised,” he said.
He warned that the consequences were now severe.
“As the above was not acted upon, the landlord now faces significant costs running into the tens of thousands of pounds for remedial work and unpaid utility bills.”
Pearson said rental legislation exists to protect both landlords and tenants, and failing to follow it can leave property owners exposed to serious financial loss.
He urged anyone with concerns about suspicious activity in a rented home to contact police or Crimestoppers.
“If you have any concerns of illegal activity in one of your properties or at a property near you, please share these concerns with the police or Crimestoppers,” he said.
