Does anyone in Montana have advise on how to deal with a rental posted as a Meth Lab?

Question

Listed on DEQ Meth Lab Site in 2006, renters plea bargained down to single felony, judge didn't require repayment of remediation/testing costs.

Answer 1

Talk to the county Health Department to see if they think that the rental needs tested. Tell them that the Judge did not make the renters pay for testing. Have the county health offical work with the MT DEQ directly. Between the two funding ources, may be they can pay for it. Also, It might be good to get a quote for a lab - just to see what $'s your looking at.

Also, here's the link to the Montana's laws on Methamphetamine Contamination -- Indoor Property Decontamination Standards: http://data.opi.state.mt.us/bills/mca_toc/75_10_13.htm

Answer 2

Is this a property that you already own or a property that you are considering for purchase?

You need someone who specializes in remediation of property that is contaminated with hazardous wastes.

Houses that have been used as meth labs are contaminated with hazardous waste from the meth lab.

If this is your property you can sue the tenants who caused the problem, however in most cases these tenants will have no money to pay the judgment.

If your are considering the property for purchase, my recommendation is do not unless you get the property for a ridiculously low price and the property is particularly desirable.

Essentially I would not pay more than land value, less the cost to tear down the house by a company that is bonded and licensed to remove hazardous waste.

If the house can be remediated economically that is wonderful.

If it cannot be remediated, I recommend that you have a demolition company licensed and bonded to remove hazardous waste tear down and remove the existing house.

You now have have a bare lot ready for you to build a new house.

Answer 3

It is my understanding that when a property is identified as a Meth lab it then is designated as a Hazardous Materials site and that information is attached to the property description. One house in Missoula was identified as such and had to be subsequently torn down as the cost of remediation was more than what it would cost to build a new building. I would contact an attorney who specializes in Landlord/Tenant law for more specific information. What town is this property located in? It is possible that the local landlords' association could have some materials as well.

Answer 4

Remediation of a former methamphetamine site is unbelievably expensive, and requires the services of a certified remediation firm with extensive training. In many cases, it is actually less expensive to demolish the property than it is to remediate.

As others have suggested, you can sue the former tenants who caused this situation, but chances are that they are either in prison, indigent, or both.