Sinister new property trend sparks urgent warning: 'Get tested'

A real estate agent has lifted the lid on a "major problem" affecting Australia's property market, which can have a devastating and costly impact on both renters and landlords alike.

Perth agent Corey Adamson, director of The Agency in Wembly, said methamphetamine-contaminated homes have become "more apparent in the past two years", admitting the number of properties showing positive results for meth is "unbelievable".

"I've seen more positive meth tests done in houses than I ever have before," he explained in a video on TikTok, suggesting an influx of rental properties being sold could be behind the rise in tests being conducted.

He advised Aussies in the market for a new property to consider getting a meth test before purchasing which can check the property for contamination levels — and while it can range from hundreds to a couple of thousand dollars, it's minor compared to costs associated with repairs and cleaning which can be astronomical.

Clint Hampson from Forensic Pathways, a cleaning company in Perth, told Yahoo News Australia a full decontamination can cost "anywhere between $7,000 up to $100,000". He said "nearly 95 per cent of the properties that we test are positive" adding it's been an evident problem for the past decade.

"The cleaning process can actually cause some extra damage to the inside of the property," he explained. New carpet, cabinetry and paintwork is often required throughout.

"You don't want to buy a house, get it tested later and then realise you've got all this work to do — and some insurance companies don't cover it," he added. " If I was ever buying a house, I would certainly get a test."

Contamination poses severe health risks for renters

While landlords face huge costs, renters are also impacted by the harmful toxins that are sometimes left behind by previous tenants. Adamson said the substance has the potential to "go through the air con, floors and carpet," contaminating every room.

Last year, a family was forced out of their Queensland rental after becoming "disgustingly sick", 7News reported at the time. The family of six said dangerous levels of deadly methamphetamine residue were found throughout the property with tests picking up disturbing levels of toxicity. Queensland Police previously reported a "significant increase" in the size of drug labs being located across the state.

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"The risk of contamination is real, even if you're not making the drug. Long-term exposure can cause more serious complications," Hampson told Yahoo.

Renters are advised to pay attention to worsening symptoms, including insomnia, anxiety and changes in children’s behaviour. Rashes and headaches are also common.

Calls for legislation to tackle 'major' problem

Earlier this year, Ray White former chief auctioneer Phillip Parker called for new legislation which could help standardise testing for drug contamination making it more affordable and available. He agrees the presence of methamphetamine in Australian homes is a "major issue".

Currently, there are "both inexpensive methods with high failure rates" and "expensive conclusive methods for testing", said Ray White Property Management CEO Emily Sim.

"Drug contamination is rampant, particularly sadly in rental properties. Unbelievably the cost to decontaminate is up to $200,000," Parker told Sunrise. "In some houses, they have to tear the floors out, the ceilings, the walls. It’s quite a massive undertaking for the owners."

His recommendation, and that of Ray White as a whole, is for properties to be tested before a tenant moves in and also when they vacate the property.

Those looking to purchase a property are encouraged to request a meth test, in addition to a building and pest report. It's often a case of 'buyer beware' if you purchase a contaminated house which can leave buyers out of pocket.

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