Breaking bad news: Meth-contaminated properties spark urgent testing trend
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In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian real estate, a new and sinister trend has emerged, prompting experts to issue an urgent warning to both prospective homeowners and renters.
This alarming issue has been gaining traction over the past two years, with an increasing number of homes being affected, leading to devastating health risks and financial burdens.
Corey Adamson, a real estate agent and Director of The Agency in Wembley, brought a major problem to light: the rise of methamphetamine-contaminated properties.
In a video shared on social media, Adamson revealed the shocking prevalence of meth-contaminated homes, describing the number of properties showing positive results as 'unbelievable'.
‘I've seen more positive meth tests done in houses than I ever have before,’ he said, suggesting that the recent influx of rental properties hitting the market may be contributing to the surge in meth testing.
Adamson recommended that Australians looking to buy a new property should consider conducting a meth test before making a purchase.
He said such tests can assess the property for contamination levels, with costs varying from hundreds to a couple of thousand dollars.
This expense pales in comparison to the potentially astronomical costs of repairs and cleaning.
Clint Hampson from Forensic Pathways, a Perth-based cleaning company, said that a full decontamination could set property owners back ‘anywhere from $7,000 up to $100,000’.
He noted that 'nearly 95 per cent of the properties that we test are positive', highlighting the extent of the issue over the past decade.
‘The cleaning process can actually cause some extra damage to the inside of the property,’ Hampson stated, adding that frequently, new carpeting, cabinetry, and paintwork are necessary.
‘You don't want to buy a house, get it tested later, and then realise you've got all this work to do—and some insurance companies don't cover it,’ he continued.
‘If I was ever buying a house, I would certainly get a test.’
The dangers extend beyond financial woes. Renters, too, are at risk of exposure to harmful toxins left behind by previous tenants.
Adamson warned that meth residue can ‘go through the air con, floors and carpet’, contaminating every room in the house.
In one harrowing case, a family in Queensland was forced to vacate their rental home after becoming severely ill due to high levels of methamphetamine residue.
The six-member family revealed that the property contained hazardous levels of lethal methamphetamine residue, as tests uncovered alarming levels of toxicity.
Queensland Police had previously noted a notable rise in the size of drug labs discovered throughout the state.
‘The risk of contamination is real, even if you're not making the drug. Long-term exposure can cause more serious complications,’ Hampson pointed out.
Symptoms of meth exposure can include insomnia, anxiety, rashes, and headaches. Renters are advised to be vigilant and to seek medical attention if they notice worsening health issues, particularly changes in children's behaviour.
The gravity of the situation has prompted calls for new legislation to standardise testing for drug contamination, making it more affordable and accessible.
Phillip Parker, former Chief Auctioneer at Ray White, and Emily Sim, CEO of Ray White Property Management, both acknowledged the rampant presence of meth in Australian homes, especially rental properties.
According to Sim, there are both ‘inexpensive methods with high failure rates’, and ‘expensive conclusive methods for testing’.
‘Drug contamination is rampant, particularly sadly in rental properties. Unbelievably the cost to decontaminate is up to $200,000,’ Parker asserted.
‘In some houses, they have to tear the floors out, the ceilings, the walls. It’s quite a massive undertaking for the owners.’
Parker has even suggested that the cost to decontaminate a property could reach up to $200,000 in extreme cases.
Ray White's recommendation is clear: properties should be tested for meth contamination before a tenant moves in and again when they vacate.
For those in the market to purchase a property, they advised that it is crucial to request a meth test in addition to a standard building and pest report.
The principle of 'buyer beware' looms large, as purchasing a contaminated house could leave buyers significantly out of pocket.
The alarming trend of methamphetamine contamination in properties prompted urgent warnings for prospective buyers to get their potential homes tested.
Reports of dangerous levels of methamphetamine residue found in properties highlight the importance of addressing drug-related concerns in Australia.
Despite a decline in methamphetamine use across the country, public perception still views it as one of the most concerning drugs.
Have you encountered this issue in your property search or rental experience? Share your story with us in the comments below!
This alarming issue has been gaining traction over the past two years, with an increasing number of homes being affected, leading to devastating health risks and financial burdens.
Corey Adamson, a real estate agent and Director of The Agency in Wembley, brought a major problem to light: the rise of methamphetamine-contaminated properties.
In a video shared on social media, Adamson revealed the shocking prevalence of meth-contaminated homes, describing the number of properties showing positive results as 'unbelievable'.
‘I've seen more positive meth tests done in houses than I ever have before,’ he said, suggesting that the recent influx of rental properties hitting the market may be contributing to the surge in meth testing.
Australia's real estate sector recognised methamphetamine-contaminated homes as a worsening problem impacting both landlords and tenants. Credits: Shutterstock
Adamson recommended that Australians looking to buy a new property should consider conducting a meth test before making a purchase.
He said such tests can assess the property for contamination levels, with costs varying from hundreds to a couple of thousand dollars.
This expense pales in comparison to the potentially astronomical costs of repairs and cleaning.
Clint Hampson from Forensic Pathways, a Perth-based cleaning company, said that a full decontamination could set property owners back ‘anywhere from $7,000 up to $100,000’.
He noted that 'nearly 95 per cent of the properties that we test are positive', highlighting the extent of the issue over the past decade.
‘The cleaning process can actually cause some extra damage to the inside of the property,’ Hampson stated, adding that frequently, new carpeting, cabinetry, and paintwork are necessary.
‘You don't want to buy a house, get it tested later, and then realise you've got all this work to do—and some insurance companies don't cover it,’ he continued.
‘If I was ever buying a house, I would certainly get a test.’
The dangers extend beyond financial woes. Renters, too, are at risk of exposure to harmful toxins left behind by previous tenants.
Adamson warned that meth residue can ‘go through the air con, floors and carpet’, contaminating every room in the house.
In one harrowing case, a family in Queensland was forced to vacate their rental home after becoming severely ill due to high levels of methamphetamine residue.
The six-member family revealed that the property contained hazardous levels of lethal methamphetamine residue, as tests uncovered alarming levels of toxicity.
Queensland Police had previously noted a notable rise in the size of drug labs discovered throughout the state.
‘The risk of contamination is real, even if you're not making the drug. Long-term exposure can cause more serious complications,’ Hampson pointed out.
Symptoms of meth exposure can include insomnia, anxiety, rashes, and headaches. Renters are advised to be vigilant and to seek medical attention if they notice worsening health issues, particularly changes in children's behaviour.
The gravity of the situation has prompted calls for new legislation to standardise testing for drug contamination, making it more affordable and accessible.
Phillip Parker, former Chief Auctioneer at Ray White, and Emily Sim, CEO of Ray White Property Management, both acknowledged the rampant presence of meth in Australian homes, especially rental properties.
According to Sim, there are both ‘inexpensive methods with high failure rates’, and ‘expensive conclusive methods for testing’.
‘Drug contamination is rampant, particularly sadly in rental properties. Unbelievably the cost to decontaminate is up to $200,000,’ Parker asserted.
‘In some houses, they have to tear the floors out, the ceilings, the walls. It’s quite a massive undertaking for the owners.’
Parker has even suggested that the cost to decontaminate a property could reach up to $200,000 in extreme cases.
Ray White's recommendation is clear: properties should be tested for meth contamination before a tenant moves in and again when they vacate.
For those in the market to purchase a property, they advised that it is crucial to request a meth test in addition to a standard building and pest report.
The principle of 'buyer beware' looms large, as purchasing a contaminated house could leave buyers significantly out of pocket.
The alarming trend of methamphetamine contamination in properties prompted urgent warnings for prospective buyers to get their potential homes tested.
Reports of dangerous levels of methamphetamine residue found in properties highlight the importance of addressing drug-related concerns in Australia.
Despite a decline in methamphetamine use across the country, public perception still views it as one of the most concerning drugs.
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