It's smart to learn about previous tenants and the history of the home before you sign the papers on a new place — your new nest may have a sordid past that could harm your family's safety.
The worst part is cleaning up the home once it's purchased. Public agencies and home inspectors also provide testing and Meth Cleaning Services, but the procedure can cost thousands of dollars and can be costly. Learn how to say, and what to do with, if your home was a meth house.
Be suspicious of powerful odours
Smelling musty is common for old houses, but meth labs leave a signature smell behind. So put your nose down and sniff for any unpleasant odors like ammonia, rotten eggs or vinegar. Such smells are a red flag for any house, so make sure you ask the tough questions before you buy.
Note: Unhygienic conditions
Meth laboratories aren't necessarily known for cleanliness. If you are going into a house that looks run-down and messy, it is a good pointer that something may be wrong. Deep stains on the carpet and walls may also be a powerful sign of drug use at home. That's not to suggest any filthy house is an old meth house, but be cautious if you find an overly dirty home.
Check Meth Houses in Register
Spend some time doing online research on the property. The Drug Enforcement Administration maintains a National Clandestine Laboratory Database which is made publicly accessible. This database records properties identified in all 50 states as meth-houses. It might not have listings of every meth house in the US, but it's a great place to start your investigation. Even if the address you want is safe, the database gives you a better idea of where the meth labs are in your town.
Ask Neighbors
If you are new to a city, your neighbors could be a good source of helpful information. They'll probably have important details about the previous owners and any suspicious activities that might have occurred there, if they've lived in the neighborhood for a while.
Return to the Police Station
Who knows neighborhood negatives better than police? Community police have plenty of information to help point you in the right direction. You should learn everything from the number of arrests to the kinds of incidents and illegal acts that have occurred. Unless the house has incidences linked to narcotics, make sure the Meth was not involved. You can also search sources online to help you figure out how safe your neighborhood is.
Be aware that prices are suspiciously low
Everybody likes a discount but it may be if the offer sounds too good to be true. Not every bankruptcy or short sale is illegal, however due to long-term harm done by meth a low price on an impressive property may be expected. Do some homework and review their background before finalizing the sale on a foreclosure so you know it's a good deal.
