Fergus Wilson, once known as Britain’s biggest buy-to-let landlord, has been left with a £60,000 repair bill after three of his former rental properties were turned into cannabis farms by drug dealers.
The 76-year-old, who at his peak owned nearly 1,000 properties across Kent, gained infamy in 2017 after attempting to ban tenants he described as “coloured,” claiming they left behind the smell of curry.
His discriminatory policies drew widespread condemnation, particularly after it emerged he had also instructed letting agents to refuse tenants with children, those on housing benefits, domestic abuse survivors, and even plumbers.
Now, the controversial figure is facing the financial consequences of neglect and mismanagement, as the drug-related damage to his properties adds to his already tarnished reputation.
Wilson and police have uncovered three illegal cultivations at houses owned by him in Ashford, Aylesford and Boughton Monchelsea, during routine checks at the homes.
Wilson told KentOnline: “The first thing I noticed that surprised me was that all the windows had been boarded up.
“It was clear to me it was what we call a cannabis factory – I wasn’t too impressed at all.”
Chief inspector Omid Changizi, of Kent Police, said in a statement: “Kent Police regards tackling the cultivation of cannabis as a priority as it is often managed by organised crime groups.
“The offenders regularly use rental properties and can produce a considerable amount of the drug using sophisticated hydroponic equipment.
“Where we receive reports of cannabis cultivation at an address, officers will be promptly deployed to arrest any suspects at the scene. All plants and equipment are seized and a forensic examination completed to identify those responsible.
“Between 12 April and 27 April 2025, we received reports that three separate rental properties had been used for the cultivation of cannabis. Officers attended the premises in Larkfield, Maidstone and Ashford, and hydroponic equipment and some cannabis plants were seized.
“Nobody was arrested at that stage and forensic examinations were completed. Investigations are continuing with officers pursuing a number of lines of enquiry to identify those responsible.”
A deeply unfortunate situation, and one that highlights the serious consequences of inadequate tenant vetting. The damage caused by cannabis farms extends far beyond financial loss — structural harm, fire risk, and disruption to neighbours are all too common.
While the landlord bears the ultimate responsibility, one must question the diligence of the agents involved. It’s unclear whether comprehensive referencing and in-person interviews were conducted, or whether reliance on low-cost digital platforms may have played a role in allowing unsuitable tenants to slip through. A cautionary tale for all in the industry.
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Ar least they were not plumbers or curry lovers.
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