SafeTraceAcademyMeth Residue: Property Manager Quick Guide
Meth residue is tiny traces of methamphetamine left on surfaces; you can't tell by looking.
General information only, not legal advice. Check Consumer Affairs Victoria or get legal advice for your situation.
Warning signs: notice, don't search
- Yellow or brown staining on walls or ceilings with no clear cause.
- Smoke alarms removed, covered or disconnected.
- Burnt foil, glass pipes, small plastic bags or other drug items.
- Unusual chemical smells.
- Reports from neighbours or police about drug activity.
- Heavy security or blacked-out windows that don't fit the property.
- One sign is a reason to look further, not proof.
When testing may be worth considering
- Between tenancies.
- After you've noticed and recorded warning signs.
- Before buying or listing.
- When an insurer or loss adjuster asks.
- The owner decides. You inform them and record their decision.
Screening vs laboratory testing
- Rapid screening: negative, partial positive or positive. An indication only.
- Laboratory testing: swabs following NIOSH 9111, analysed by NATA-accredited laboratories.
- Only laboratory results can be read as below or above the level.
- WA Health: use a tester separate from the remediation company.
Reading results
- Investigation level: 0.5 µg/100cm² (a 10 cm × 10 cm area).
- Read results location by location: below or above the level.
- Check the limitations: what wasn't tested.
- Say "below the level at the locations sampled". Don't overstate.
Disclosure basics (Victoria)
- Renting: disclose before the renter signs, to the best of the rental provider's knowledge.
- This covers trafficking or cultivation of a drug of dependence in the last 5 years.
- Selling: don't knowingly conceal material facts (Sale of Land Act 1962, s 12(d)).
Who does what
- Owner: makes decisions and engages specialists.
- Independent tester: tests, and re-samples after remediation.
- Occupational hygienist: scope of works and formal clearance.
- Separate remediation contractor: does the remediation work.
- You: inform, coordinate and keep records.
Signs of a possible drug lab? STOP, LEAVE, CALL
- Strong chemical smells, covered windows, lots of containers you can't explain.
- Don't touch, open or move anything.
- Leave straight away with anyone who is with you.
- Call police: 000 in an emergency, or 131 444 for non-urgent matters.
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