On March 26, 2010, Senators Lena Taylor and Spencer Coggs along with Senator Lehman sponsored 2009 Senate Bill 650. SB 650 will affect both landlords and sellers of real estate in which the drug methamphetamine has been manufactured.
The bill requires both owners wishing to sell and landlords wishing to rent property that was used as a “meth lab” in the past to disclose in writing this fact to potential renters and purchasors.
If methamphetamine was manufactured on the property the seller of the property must disclose this in the real estate condition report. If a landlord is renting a property that was previously used as a “meth lab” then the landlord must disclose this in writing to any potential renters.
The production of “crystal meth” has become an increasing problem, one that does not just affect city properties. In fact more and more meth labs are being discovered in rural areas where the illegal activity is far less likely to be noticed.
Studies have shown that the hazardous chemicals that are used to make meth and the chemicals which are a produced during the manufacture of the drug can seep into floors, ceilings, walls, duct work etc. and can remain for years. I believe that this discovery is the prime impetus for the creation of this bill.
While I think this is a good bill, it goes without saying that any landlord or seller of real estate in which meth has been manufactured will have a very difficult time renting or selling this property if the bill is passed. As a result it is more important than ever for landlords to visit and inspect their rental properties. To be a good landlord you need to know what is going on in your units. Wisconsin law allows landlords to make periodic inspections of their rental property with at least 12 hours notice (ATCP 134.09 (2). Landlords should take advantage of this opportunity to inspect their rental units —- especially if they suspect illegal activity.
#1 by Bill Gray on April 20th, 2010
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Landlords seem to get hit from all directions. This law makes screening prospects for previous criminal activity even more important.
#2 by chris m on April 20th, 2010
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2 things I disagree with; 1) ‘the production of “crystal meth” has become an increasing problem’. 2) ‘hazardous chemicals that are used to make meth and the chemicals which are a produced during the manufacture of the drug can seep into floors.’ Sure they can seep, but at a dangerous level? Bleach can be considered a hazardous chemical. You could include into the legislation houses that had cats that didn’t use the litter box. Now there you have dangerous fumes!
#3 by John "Dr Rent" Fischer on April 20th, 2010
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The Wisconsin Apartment Association’s official stance is to oppose this… however personally, I am aware of many of the hazards that a meth lab can leave in the property and that those hazards can remain if the lab is not properly mediated.
Some of those not familiar with the meth manufacturing process thought this proposal “quite silly” since one type of drug needed to be disclosed but not other types of drugs.
Not only is it important to screen tenants wisely, and inspect properties periodically, it is important to build relationships with owners/occupants of neighboring properties so they feel confortable telling you when something is going on in the property that you should know about.
Also, it is important that if you are unfortunate enough to find yourself owning a property used as meth lab, that property needs to be properly remediated, a fresh coat of paint and a good carpet cleaning isn’t going to do it.
#4 by Tristan R. Pettit, Esq. on April 21st, 2010
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Chris — thanks for your comments. I will not disagree with you since I didnt personally review any of the studies and reports — but that is what the newspapaer articles said – for whatever taht is worth : )
T
#5 by Tristan R. Pettit, Esq. on April 21st, 2010
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All good points John — especially the cultivation of relationships with neighbors of your rental properties. The neighbor next to my duplex is the best asset I could have as a rental property owner. She calls me whenever anythign is amiss — which I greatly appreciate.
It also goes without saying that if you are friendly with your neighbors they are less likley to call the building inspector on you.
Landlording — like most things in life — is all about relationships.
T
#6 by chris m on April 22nd, 2010
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At least this legislation is a lot simpler than what owners/landlords have to do with the lead paint in their houses.
#7 by John (Dr Rent) Fischer on April 22nd, 2010
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speaking of that… today is April 22nd..
when it comes to lead based paint.. today is officially the day the s*** hits the fan…
do we all feel safer???