New standards on meth contamination
by Adam Smith
The Government has finally announced new standards when it comes to meth contamination in properties. We explain what these standards mean for landlords, and your investment properties.
New standards for meth contamination in properties
The key change is an increase in the benchmark level at which a property must be decontaminated.
- The level for ‘high-use areas’ (such as bedrooms, living areas, kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and shed/garages) is now 1.5 micrograms per 100 cm². (Previously, there was a guide of 0.5 micrograms per 100cm².)
- For limited-use areas, such as roof and crawl spaces, the level is 3.8 micrograms per 100cm²
- New standards and recommendations for people carrying out testing and decontamination
You can access the full standards here.
5 key steps to minimising the risk of meth contamination in your rental property
At Iron Bridge, we’ve developed industry-leading procedures to manage the issue of meth contamination. So, we’re well placed to give you some expert advice.
At a minimum, we recommend:
- Getting your rental property professionally tested – this should be done before and after each tenancy
- Completing quarterly inspections – ensure you, or a professional property manager, inspect the home every three months
- Checking you are insured – contact your insurance company to ensure you’re covered for the cost of decontamination and any loss of rental income
- Thoroughly screening all prospective tenants – don’t be tempted to cut corners to save time
- Vetting your property management company – if you’re using a property manager, make sure they have comprehensive guidelines and procedures when it comes to meth contamination
Make sure you’re well informed when it comes to meth contamination
We’ve all read the horror stories in the papers about landlords and property investors facing huge decontamination bills. Don’t become another tale of woe – make sure you’re proactive and fully informed about meth contamination.
If you’d like more expert advice about how to minimise the risk of methamphetamine contamination in rental properties, contact us today.
