The Saskatchewan Landlord Association (SKLA) is joining the Canadian Federation of Apartment Associations (CFAA) to lobby the federal government to not allow marijuana plants in rental properties.
The associations are concerned insurance companies will cancel their coverage if there is marijuana growing in the house.
According to the executive officer of the SKLA, Chanda Lockhart, marijuana plants produce seven to ten per cent more moisture than an average house plant.
The greater amount of moisture may increase the chance of mold growing in the house.
“Insurance can be cancelled on rental properties or houses with mold growth,” Lockhart explains.
She says there is also a risk of fires with too many power sources, which are needed to grow marijuana.
“The increase in power could also mean more extension cords, more lighting, which could be a fire hazard,” Lockhart says.
The smell of marijuana may violate the tenancy act.
“There’s a clause that says if a tenant is affected by noxious or offensive smells, they can make a complaint to the landlord...and tenants have the right to peace, quiet and privacy,” Lockhart says.
The federal government plans to legalize marijuana by July 2018.
