Landlord tip
Nobody knows how many houses in NZ are affected by methamphetamine, also known as speed, pure, P, burn, goey, crank, meth, crystal, ice and yaba. What we do know is the huge problems created by meth labs, due to the health risks to anyone who subsequently lives in the property. It is interesting that around 70% of the meth labs found by Police are in rental properties.
It can be hard to spot a meth lab or meth usage, especially when a property manager is required to give 48 hrs before inspections. There can be odours but it is very easy to mask residual smells with 48 hours notice. Nevertheless, here are a couple of signs to look out.
There are different ways of testing for meth. Self testing kits at around $20 are cheap and provide instant results but have a lower sensitivity and may give a false reading. They are indicative only. Lab based testing is very accurate. You can expect to pay approximately $250 for a one swab lab based testing depending on the size of the property.
Some facts around Methamphetamine and why people use it: A person naturally produces a hormone called Dopamine which happens when you get in a state of euphoria. By laughing for instance, you will produce about 100 nanograms, if you use Cocaine you will produce about 400 nanograms but if you use Methamphetamine you produce over 1250 nanograms giving you the illusion of invincibility, heaps of energy but also paranoia and anxiety, a very damaging and addictive drug.
Tauranga Rentals use a Drug Testing machine imported from America which gives a conclusive test result on whether there is any contamination or not and tests their Managed Properties between every Tenant.
Call Dan and the Team to find out more about fighting Methamphetamine in your houses.