Japanese knotweed (also known as Fallopia japonica) is an invasive plant that can cause serious damage to properties. As a landlord, it's important to be aware of how to identify and properly manage this problematic weed to protect your property and fulfil your legal obligations.

Identifying Japanese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed can be identified by the following characteristics:

Tall, hollow stems that resemble bamboo
Spade or heart-shaped leaves arranged in a zig-zag pattern on the stem
Clusters of creamy white flowers in late summer
Brown stems that die back in winter but remain standing

The plant has an extensive underground rhizome (root) system that can spread up to 7 metres horizontally and 3 metres deep. Even a small fragment of rhizome, as little as 0.7 grams, can grow into a new plant.

Legal obligations for landlords

As a landlord, you have a legal responsibility to prevent Japanese Knotweed on your property from spreading into the wild. Allowing the plant to spread could result in fines or even prosecution under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

If you have Japanese Knotweed on your property, you must declare it when renting out or selling the property. Failure to do so could result in legal action from the tenant or buyer.

Managing Japanese Knotweed

If you identify Japanese Knotweed on your rental property, it's crucial to act quickly to manage the infestation. Here are some steps to take:

Do not attempt to remove it yourself - improper removal can cause the plant to spread
Contact a professional - look for a company that specialises in Japanese Knotweed removal and is accredited by the Property Care Association (PCA) Invasive Weed Control Group
Notify your tenant - make your tenant aware of the issue and the management plan to address it
Consider an insurance-backed guarantee - some specialist companies offer insurance-backed guarantees for their work, which can provide extra peace of mind

With proper identification and swift action by qualified professionals, Japanese Knotweed can be successfully managed. As a proactive landlord, taking these steps will help protect your property, fulfil your legal duties, and give your tenants confidence that their home is well-cared for.