How to Tell If You Are Buying a Meth House

Meth house testing might be low on the list of concerns while shopping for a new home. But if a home hasn't been properly cleaned and renovated, consumption or creation of methamphetamine inside a residence can have lasting consequences. 

Meth residue can remain on soft surfaces like upholstery and flooring, off-gassing over time into the air, leaving emissions long after cooking or consumption. It's estimated that nearly 33% of these emissions are deposited into the environment after smoking.¹ 

Long-term exposure to these particles can result in upper respiratory irritation and central nervous system issues in sensitive groups like children.² 

But testing a house for meth isn't as straightforward as you might think. While the EPA created guidelines for states to follow, many areas have since made their own rules. Suggested "acceptable levels" land between 0.05 to 1.5 micrograms (µg) per 100 cm².

So, if you're in the market for a new home, how do you know if your potential dream home wasn't a hotspot for meth users and manufacturers? 

While home inspections aren't required for every home purchase, they're highly (highly) recommended. Home inspectors check every nook, cranny, and crevice of your home for problems with plumbing, roofing, electricity, and more. 

Many home inspection companies offer add-on services like radon and meth testing too. While this may cost a little extra, it can be worth the price if you want to be confident in your investment. 

After the test, the meth testing home inspectors will provide you with a comprehensive report on your home's health and offer suggestions for the next steps or remediation if needed. 

Your real estate agent can be your best friend throughout the home buying process. In addition to navigating seas of paperwork and advocating for your best interests, they also have access to local records and information regarding the properties you're interested in. 

While it varies from state to state, your real estate agent may be required to disclose information regarding the use, sale, or production of meth to you at some point during the home-buying process. 

Depending on the property, you might be able to ask around about previous tenants of the house. While your future neighbors might not know everything about the home, they might be able to give you a few clues about how the house was treated.

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On the chance that you do find traces of methamphetamine in your home, be sure to work with professional cleaners and mediators to solve the problem. This usually entails fully replacing and stripping carpets and any soft surfaces in the home. The good news is that even homes with trace amounts of meth particles can still be safe. The same applies to inspections for mold and radon, for example. 

But the homebuying process can be long and stressful. We don't recommend settling for a home with a low price and a dangerous history. If you're able, take your time to find the dream home you and your family deserve.

1. National Library of Medicine, "Household Contamination with Methamphetamine: Knowledge and Uncertainties." November, 19, 2023. 
2. CPR News, "Meth contamination was detected in your local library. Here's what that means." January 27, 2023
3. United States Department of Justice, "2020 Drug Enforcement Administration National Drug Threat Assessment, page 19-27." March 2021.
4. Indiana Department of Health. "Drug Lab Cleanup." Accessed April 24, 2024.