Home Buyers / Renters Advice

Before you buy or rent a home or apartment, do your homework!

Talk to neighbors. The longer they have lived in the neighborhood, the more valuable their information will be to you! They can sometimes provide an account of the history of the home and the nature of the previous occupants. Ask about any suspicious activity, traffic, smells, or excessive trash that was noticed around the home.

Call the local police department or county sheriff to find out if there is a record of any illegal drug lab activity.

Look for signs inside and outside of the home. Some signs that may indicate evidence of a former drug lab include:

dark stains from chemicals in the bathtubs, sinks, or toilets, or on walls
signs of chemical burns or spills
visible areas in the yard where chemicals have been dumped
packaging or containers from chemicals or cold medicine
burn piles in the yard with signs of meth ingredients
dead or dying vegetation
chemical (solvent, ammonia) odors