| Tips for Property Managers |
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The means necessary to prevent
a tenant from starting a methamphetamine lab can be simple and
non-intrusive. A landlord can eliminate the likelihood of
a meth lab on their property by simply screening prospective
tenants and conducting regular inspections. |
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Meth labs require equipment
and supplies that could make a "quick clean-up" unlikely.
Landlords should make "surprise" or unannounced inspection of
their property within the provisions of the law. If a
landlord suspects or discovers a meth lab, he/she should not
confront the tenant or enter the lab, but contact their local
law enforcement agency immediately as they are equipped to
conduct an investigation and collect evidence in a safe and
lawful manner. |
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| Get to know your neighbors |
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Introduce yourself to your
neighbors and let them know your property is a rental. Ask
neighbors to keep watch on your property and provide them with
your telephone number so they can contact you if they have any
concerns. |
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| Screen prospective tenants |
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Check the credit history and
references of all prospective tenants. Have each
prospective tenant provide you with a written authorization to
check with the local police for prior criminal record.
Advise that you check your property regularly and have your
tenant sign an agreement to allow for unannounced inspections.
Let your tenant know you have regular contact with the
neighbors. Confirm the number and names of the tenants who
will be residing at your property and find out who will be
paying the bills. Keep record of your tenant's vehicles
and license plate numbers. |
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| Absentee/Offshore Landlords |
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Have an agent, friend or
relative check the property on your behalf. |
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| Hotel Owners/Operators |
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Front desk/Office Staff:
Be alert for guests who pay with cash; have several pieces of
luggage or cardboard/rubber storage containers; have no
identification, no credit card, report no vehicle (or provide
inaccurate vehicle license information); appear covert,
paranoid, suspicious, nervous and hurried; may have hands with
burn scars, discolored teeth, and clothes unkempt. |
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Housekeeping: Be
alert for chemical odors in guest rooms or the strong scent of
an aerosol air freshener used to mask the odor of a meth lab;
suspicious stains on the carpet or drain area of tub, toilet or
sink; discarded coffee filters or cloth with unknown stain or
sludge residue; suspicious containers left for disposal; guest
declines housekeeping services; guest appears nervous,
suspicious or paranoid. |
