Methamphetamine is a problem that can destroy lives, bank accounts and families in a very short amount of time. But homemade meth labs are also highly damaging to residential properties. The ingredients used in the manufacturing of meth, when combined, create toxic contaminants that are absorbed into walls, flooring, and ventilation systems.
Once a meth lab is discovered and the residents are arrested, the problem of how to clean up the property falls to the property owner. Cleaning up the toxic contaminants left behind can be a lengthy and expensive process. After a typical meth lab bust, once the police have removed the chemicals and equipment, the local health department writes a condemnation order and orders the property owner to clean up the area. That can cost upwards of $30,000, an expense that is compounded by the owner’s inability to get rental payments out of the property for the month(s) it is uninhabitable due to the cleaning process.
Because the liability is so great when it comes to meth labs, every property owner should be diligent about conducting thorough background checks for all prospective tenants. Look for a history of issues related to substance abuse, check the tenant’s criminal record, and speak with former landlords about the tenant to get landlord references. Remember, screening residents is the first line of defense.
Visit http://www.alwaysscreen.com/ for more information.
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