The Costs are huge  

*When drug criminals operate out of rental property, owners pay a high price:

• Loss or rent
•  Civil penalties
• Damaged property
• Decline in property values
• Dangerous, threatening tenants
• Resentful and angry neighbors
• Loss of valued tenants

Facts:

Over half of the residential drug labs are found on rental property.

Property owners are responsible for decontamination costs.

Decontamination costs average $6,500 for a 1200 square foot home.

Small changes prevent big problems:

At the time or rental application, take these eary steps: 

• Ensure the application is complete

Conduct background checks for  

*Rental history    *Employment history  *Credit report     *Criminal background

• Meet every adult moving into the unit and require picture identification
• Be aware of the applicant's appearance and behaviours*

Visit your property often and watch for signs of a drug lab:

• Excessive garbage, specific to making Meth**
• Blackened windows or drawn curtains
• Frequent visitors at all hours
• Paranoid or odd behavior
• Extensive security
• Chemical odors
• If you are suspicious of any drug manufacturing or drug use  ... please call 911 and the Drug Task Force at: 360-676-6952

The original article was prepared through funding provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, Washington State Methamphetamine Initiative.