LifeAfterMeth

What can I do as a landlord?

Neighborhoood Resource Guide, Northwest HIDTA

There are actions that you can take to ensure methamphetamine manufacturing is not occurring in your rental units.  Drug dealers and methamphetamine manufacturers have common habits which are easily observed.

 Signs of a Meth Lab:

Frequent visitors at all times of the day or night

Activity at the house is usually at odd hours or late at night.

Occupants appear unemployed, yet seem to have plenty of money and pay their bills with cash.

Occupants are unfriendly, appear secretive about thier activities.

Occupants watch cars suspiciously when they pass by.

Occupants display a paranoid or odd behavior.

Extensive security at the home or signs that indicate "Private Property" or "Beware of Dog", fences, large shrubs, bushes and trees.

Windows blackened or curtains always drawn.

Occupants go outside the house to smoke cigarettes.

Chemical odors coming from the house, garage or detached buildings.

Garbage contains numerous bottles, containers, and materials such as brake cleaner, engine starter, rock sald\t, iodine, lithium batteries, gun scrubber, Methanol/Alcohol, Muriatic Acid, Anhydrous Ammonia, lye, cold tablets, acetone or kitty litter.

Coffee filters, bed sheeets or other materials may be stained from filtering red phosphorus or other chemicals.

Occupant sets his garbage for pick up in another neighbor's collection area.

Evidence of chemical waste dumping (e.g. burn pits, or "dead spots" in the yard). 

Tips for property managers:

The means necessary to prevent a tenant from starting a methamphetamine lab in your rent can be simple and non-intrusive.  A landlord can eliminate the likelihood of a meth lab on their property by simply screening prospective tenants and conducting regular inspections.

Meth labs require equipment and supplies that could make a "quick clean'up" unlikely.  Landlords should make "suprise" or unannounced inspection of their property within the provisions of the law.  If a landlord suspects or discovers a meth lab, he/she should not confront the tenant or enter the lab, but contact their local law enforcement agency immediately as they are equipped to conduct an investigation and collect evidence in a safe and lawful manner.

Get to know your neighbors

Introduce yourself to the neighbors and let them know your property is a rental.  Ask neighbors to keep watch on your property and provide them with your telephone number so they can contact you if they have any concerns.

Screen prospective tenants:

Check the credit history and references of all prospective tenants.  Have each applicant provide you with a written authorization to check with the local police for prior criminal record.  Advise that you check your property regularly and have your tenant sign an agreement to allow for unannounced inspections.  Let your tenant know you have regular contact with the neighbors.  Confirm the number and names of the tenants who will be residing at your property and find out who will be paying the bills.  Keep a record of your tenant's vehicles and license plate numbers.

If you are an absentee or offshore landlord, have an agent, friend or relative check the property on your behalf.

Meth Lab
Meth Lab
Common Household Products used in the Manufacture of Meth
Common Household Products used in the Manufacture of Meth
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