Resources 
Homeowners / Landlords / Renters
Homeowners / Landlords / Renters
HOMEOWNERS, LANDLORDS AND RENTERS
Tips for Landlords
Landlords have a lot to keep in mind when owning and renting out property. Since the methamphetamine clandestine lab epidemic exploded in 2005 many property owners were sadly unaware of the costly effects of methamphetamine production. Below is information how to help avoid having this kind of situation come upon you.
Rental Facts for Landlords
Over one-half of residential drug labs are found on rental property
Property owners are responsible for decontamination costsDecontamination costs average $6500 for a 1200 square foot home
The Costs to Rental Property
When drug criminals operate out of rental property, owners pay a high price:Loss of rent due to eviction and repair operationsCivil penalties, including loss of property useDamaged property from renter abuse and police raidsDecline in property valuesToxic contamination and/or fire from meth productionDangerous, threatening tenantsResentful and angry neighbors
Tips To Avoid Big Problems
At the time a potential renter applies:Ensure the application is completeConduct a background check to determine:Rental historyCredit reportEmployment historyCriminal backgroundMeet every adult moving into the unit and require picture identification
Visit your Rental Property Regularly and look for the signs of a drug lab
Unusual strong chemical odors
Excessive amount of trash, specific to making meth
Blackened windows or drawn curtains
Extensive security or attempts to ensure privacy
Frequent visitors at all hours of the day or night
Renters who pay in cash
Living In A Meth Lab
chemical contamination: Inhaling, absorbing, or swallowing toxic chemicals that are used to produce meth can cause severe sickness, death, and birth defects
Fires and explosions. Approximately 15% of meth labs are discovered as a result of a fire or explosion.
Hazardous lifestyle: Filth and hazardous living conditions are common at meth labs. Explosives, guns, and booby traps have been found at sites.
Social problems: A violent, chaotic, and neglectful environment causes stress and trauma to those living in that environment and poses a risk to those living nearby and elsewhere.
If You Suspect A Meth Lab On Your Property
Contact your local police or sheriff’s office
If it’s an emergency dial 911
Do not enter a site that you think may be an operating clandestine meth lab
Meth labs are dangerous, having traps set up for intruders
Explosions or fires are highly likely
You could be exposed to hazardous chemicals*Information taken from the following organizations/agencies:
Campbell Delong Resources Inc. Landlord Training Program
http://www.cdri.com/community-problem-solving/about-the-landlord-training-program.html
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America
http://www.drugfree.org/Files/Meth_FactSheets
Washington State Department of Health Office of Environmental Health and Safety
www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/cdl/
Tips for New Homeowners or Potential Homebuyers
When looking to buy a new home, or if you have recently purchased a new home, you will want to read the following information on clandestine meth labs to make sure it is safe to inhabit by you and your family.Methamphetamine is made from pseudoephedrine and common chemical household ingredients. When these ingredients are combined in the cooking process the harmful chemical residues remain on surfaces such as walls, ceilings, carpet, toys, and furniture for months or years after cooking has taken place. During the cooking process 5 to 7 pounds chemical waste is created for each pound of meth produced. The byproducts from meth production are considered hazardous waste. There are health effects associated with chemical exposure before, during, and after the meth production process. Meth residue emitted into the air causes health issues to the individual’s skin, eyes, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Proper clean up of a contaminated site usually requires that of a certified decontamination specialist, or in some cases, a former meth lab may require demolition of a contaminated structure. If you are on the market to purchase a new home, always ask your realtor for the history of the home by asking questions such as “was it a previous rental”, “how long did the last home owner live here”, and “why is the home owner selling”. By law, realtors have to disclose such information if the home was a previous meth lab, but never just assume a realtor will in good faith. Before purchasing a new home, professional inspectors are always hired to make sure the structure of the home is sound
http://www.nachi.org/methamphetaminecontamination.htm
Meth Residue Test Kits
The Cheyenne-Laramie County Meth Initiative provides free meth residue test kits to the public. *Note * there is a $45 lab fee for processing. Please call 1-307-633-6633 or email l This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to request yours.
Tips for Landlords
Landlords have a lot to keep in mind when owning and renting out property. Since the methamphetamine clandestine lab epidemic exploded in 2005 many property owners were sadly unaware of the costly effects of methamphetamine production. Below is information how to help avoid having this kind of situation come upon you.
Rental Facts for Landlords
Over one-half of residential drug labs are found on rental property
Property owners are responsible for decontamination costsDecontamination costs average $6500 for a 1200 square foot home
The Costs to Rental Property
When drug criminals operate out of rental property, owners pay a high price:Loss of rent due to eviction and repair operationsCivil penalties, including loss of property useDamaged property from renter abuse and police raidsDecline in property valuesToxic contamination and/or fire from meth productionDangerous, threatening tenantsResentful and angry neighbors
Tips To Avoid Big Problems
At the time a potential renter applies:Ensure the application is completeConduct a background check to determine:Rental historyCredit reportEmployment historyCriminal backgroundMeet every adult moving into the unit and require picture identification
Visit your Rental Property Regularly and look for the signs of a drug lab
Unusual strong chemical odors
Excessive amount of trash, specific to making meth
Blackened windows or drawn curtains
Extensive security or attempts to ensure privacy
Frequent visitors at all hours of the day or night
Renters who pay in cash
Living In A Meth Lab
chemical contamination: Inhaling, absorbing, or swallowing toxic chemicals that are used to produce meth can cause severe sickness, death, and birth defects
Fires and explosions. Approximately 15% of meth labs are discovered as a result of a fire or explosion.
Hazardous lifestyle: Filth and hazardous living conditions are common at meth labs. Explosives, guns, and booby traps have been found at sites.
Social problems: A violent, chaotic, and neglectful environment causes stress and trauma to those living in that environment and poses a risk to those living nearby and elsewhere.
If You Suspect A Meth Lab On Your Property
Contact your local police or sheriff’s office
If it’s an emergency dial 911
Do not enter a site that you think may be an operating clandestine meth lab
Meth labs are dangerous, having traps set up for intruders
Explosions or fires are highly likely
You could be exposed to hazardous chemicals*Information taken from the following organizations/agencies:
Campbell Delong Resources Inc. Landlord Training Program
http://www.cdri.com/community-problem-solving/about-the-landlord-training-program.html
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America
http://www.drugfree.org/Files/Meth_FactSheets
Washington State Department of Health Office of Environmental Health and Safety
www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/cdl/
Tips for New Homeowners or Potential Homebuyers
When looking to buy a new home, or if you have recently purchased a new home, you will want to read the following information on clandestine meth labs to make sure it is safe to inhabit by you and your family.Methamphetamine is made from pseudoephedrine and common chemical household ingredients. When these ingredients are combined in the cooking process the harmful chemical residues remain on surfaces such as walls, ceilings, carpet, toys, and furniture for months or years after cooking has taken place. During the cooking process 5 to 7 pounds chemical waste is created for each pound of meth produced. The byproducts from meth production are considered hazardous waste. There are health effects associated with chemical exposure before, during, and after the meth production process. Meth residue emitted into the air causes health issues to the individual’s skin, eyes, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Proper clean up of a contaminated site usually requires that of a certified decontamination specialist, or in some cases, a former meth lab may require demolition of a contaminated structure. If you are on the market to purchase a new home, always ask your realtor for the history of the home by asking questions such as “was it a previous rental”, “how long did the last home owner live here”, and “why is the home owner selling”. By law, realtors have to disclose such information if the home was a previous meth lab, but never just assume a realtor will in good faith. Before purchasing a new home, professional inspectors are always hired to make sure the structure of the home is sound
http://www.nachi.org/methamphetaminecontamination.htm
Meth Residue Test Kits
The Cheyenne-Laramie County Meth Initiative provides free meth residue test kits to the public. *Note * there is a $45 lab fee for processing. Please call 1-307-633-6633 or email l This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to request yours.