Pubdate: Sat, 15 Mar 2003 Source: Richmond Review, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2003 Richmond Public Library Contact: http://www.richmondreview.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/704 Author: Martin van den Hemel GROW OP DISCLOSURE WOULD PROTECT HOME BUYERS The battle to rid Richmond of marijuana grow ops could soon receive a boost that will not only protect home buyers, but urge homeowners to keep their property clear of the lucrative leafy crop. The Richmond Review has learned that the Canadian Real Estate Association sent out recommendations this week to real estate associations across the country, urging that real estate agreements of sale include a new clause disclosing whether a property has been used to grow marijuana or for criminal activity. Bob Linney, manager of communications for the real estate association, said it is now up to real estate associations in each province to decide whether they want to adopt the recommendation. A growing number of requests for clarification on the responsibility of realtors regarding grow ops prompted a months-long look at the issue, which wrapped up with a number of recommendations. Specifically, the association received queries about marijuana from B.C., Alberta and Ontario, Linney said. Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver wasn't ready Friday to comment on the recommendation because it was only circulated this week and no internal discussions have been held yet. Richmond RCMP Cpl. Peter Thiessen said the new recommendation would enable home buyers to make informed decisions before purchasing a property that in the past may have been used to grow marijuana. "Certainly that's a very positive step that would protect innocent victims." Police have long expressed concerns that the growing number of grow rips (where groups of bandits, some brandishing sawed-off shotguns and wearing bullet-proof vests, search for marijuana grow operations to rip off) could eventually result in innocent people being hurt or killed. The chief concern is that these grow rippers will make a mistake and target the wrong house. That's exactly what happened on Monday morning, when a group of armed teens broke into a house on Montana Road, apparently looking to steal marijuana from a home that had previously grown the illegal crop. Four men, all aged 18 to 20, have been arrested and charged with robbery and possession of an imitation weapon. On Friday, one homeowner told The Richmond Review she purchased a house in September and only later found out it had been used to grow marijuana. But she's not fearful her house will be mistaken for a grow op because she's done major renovation work to it. Richmond Coun. Derek Dang welcomed the recommendations and believes it will have an impact on the prices of homes that were previously used to grow marijuana. "I think it's a good idea," said Dang, who is also a local realtor. This is the first time he's heard of the recommendation, but said the city has been thinking along those lines in the past. "I think it's a good to hear other bodies are thinking along the same terms." Dang thinks that the disclosure requirement will protect home buyers and will also prompt property owners to become a little more diligent in ensuring their rentals aren't converted into greenhouses. "There's an inherent danger of not knowing what the house was used for before someone moves in." While there will always be people who will buy a home irrespective of its history, Dang said the vast majority of home buyers will choose to avoid a home with a nefarious past. Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie said if a property owner is required to disclose the condition of the roof, or any structural defects, it makes sense to also indicate whether the house has been used to grow marijuana. "From the city's point of view, it's a good idea. I see that as a very positive move," Brodie said, adding that the city should look more closely at the recommendations and consider whether to publicly support their incorporation by local real estate boards. But Brodie said renters also need to be protected, believing that rental agreements should also include a similar disclosure. "It's pertinent to know if it's been a grow op." He agreed such a change would likely result in property owners becoming "more vigilant about what's going on (in their homes)." "Grow ops are such a problem in our community." - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens