Unfortunately, the use of meth (crystal meth, ice, P) is a fast growing problem in Australia, and the majority of meth labs and meth contamination occurs in rental properties. It has been stated that on any given day – 100,000 people nationally would test positive for meth. That equates to a significant amount of properties that could be contaminated.
Meth contamination is caused when the property is used as a meth lab or when the occupants smoke meth. Smoking is the most common form of meth use. When meth is smoked, the meth is heated and turns into vapour. The vapour that is not inhaled by the smoker is then deposited on the walls, floors, furnishings, ducts and more, leaving a residue of meth. A property contaminated with meth is a serious health risk to the occupants.
People who are exposed to low level meth contamination often suffer from nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, psychosis, paranoia, hallucinations, anxiety, rashes and breathing difficulties.
Cleaning a contaminated property can cost between $10,000 – $50,000 (often more) and in extreme cases there is no option but to demolish the house.
Many landlords and house insurances policies specifically exclude any claims relating to meth contamination.
Most property managers in New Zealand test for meth at tenancy changes and meth testing has become as essential as a Building and Pest Inspection prior to purchase. Meth testing in New Zealand in rental properties has shown contamination in up to 50% of properties tested.
Screening for meth in Australia has historically been expensive ($500 – $2,000) per test. We have worked hard to allow property managers and landlords to implement a meth screening program at a very low cost. You can now implement a meth screening program, ensuring your properties are screened either annually or at every tenancy change from as little as $99.00 per year.
Smoke Alarm Integrity is the only company in Australia that provides both smoke alarm servicing and meth testing. All our technicians are extensively trained in meth testing.
The cost of sending a meth tester to a property just to test for meth is high (due to time and labour costs). As our technicians are attending your property at every tenancy change to service the smoke alarms, by having them also test for meth whilst they are there significantly reduces the cost of meth testing.
Prevention is better than cure, so responsible property managers and landlords can now protect their asset (the property) and the occupants (the tenants) for a cost no higher than smoke alarm servicing. Our low, annual meth testing programs can only be used when Smoke Alarm Integrity is also servicing the smoke alarms in the property. Our non-annual plans are available to anyone, whether they use SAI for their smoke alarms or not.
