Q. I am looking for a new tenant and have been approached by a couple who tell me that they are willing to pay the whole years rent up front in cash. They seem to think that this means it is not necessary for me to carry out any other checks. Are they right?

A. No! This is a classic sign of someone who wants to use your property for a cannabis farm or for some other criminal use.

Cannabis farmers often employ respectable-looking couples to apply for a tenancy, and then once the tenancy is signed up, they move out (after having been well paid presumably), and the cannabis farmers move in.

Conversion of your property to a cannabis farm can cause massive and expensive damage. However, if you have failed to properly reference tenants or carry out regular inspection visits, your insurers are unlikely to pay out.

ALWAYS check tenants thoroughly, no matter what they say or what they offer. Remember – con men usually appear respectable and trustworthy - that’s their job.

Q. My property is empty just now as we will be having work done before I re-let it. A friend has told me he has seen it advertised on Facebook. What can I do about this?