Our experience with a positive meth test result on Our property

Taking the Next Step: Our Journey Through Methamphetamine Decontamination

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Taking the next step in a relationship can be both exciting and daunting. For my partner and me, this meant purchasing a home together. My partner, a dedicated teacher, and I, who had been in the cleaning industry for over eighteen months, felt ready to take that leap. After careful planning, my partner decided to sell his house in Horowhenua to help fund our new home in Wellington. We were optimistic that everything would go seamlessly since the three-bedroom house was in excellent condition and had been successfully rented out.

However, our excitement took a turn when we received unexpected news: the buyers had hired a testing company, and the results showed positive for methamphetamine contamination.

The Shocking Revelation

We were shocked by this revelation, unsure of how to move forward. When we reached out to the property manager and the real estate agent to better understand the details and how it was possible, we discovered that such issues are more common than we realised. According to recent statistics, around 20% of rental properties in New Zealand have been found to have meth contamination at some level. The Police report form Q12025 points out that "All districts continued to record above-average methamphetamine use when compared with their respective average consumption rates over the previous four quarters." This sobering fact made it clear that we needed to act swiftly to handle this serious situation.

Navigating the Insurance Process

After speaking with the insurance company, we learned that a police report was necessary to proceed with the insurance claim. However, we found ourselves in a difficult position as we hadn't tested the house before renting it out because our insurance had advised us that it wasn't necessary. This left us in a grey area about who might be responsible for the contamination: the previous tenants, or if it had happened later. The lack of clarity added to our anxiety as we awaited the necessary reports.

The Buyers' Concerns

The buyers were understandably anxious about proceeding with the purchase. As investors, they wanted to have the house soon or move to another option, and at the same time, they needed assurances that the house was safe. Their concern only heightened our urgency to resolve the situation.

Exploring Solutions

Given the circumstances, we decided to explore options to prepare the house for the sale, including financial strategies to cover the house cleaning costs. One immediate step we took was purchasing the buyers’ testing results, as this provided us with critical details about the nature and extent of the contamination. We also asked the testing company for detailed reports to identify which specific areas actually needed attention, hoping it was a small section.

The Good News

Fortunately, we learned that the contamination was limited to just two rooms. This information helped us plan our next steps more clearly and prepare for the next challenges.

Taking Control of the Situation

As someone working in the cleaning industry, I thought that a faster solution was to hire a professional to decontaminate the house. So, we gathered quotes for the remediation of the affected areas. The costs were shocking! But on top of that, we realised the service providers didn't have the availability to sort out our house in a timely manner to continue the house sale.

So, I decided to go back to my research and contacted my supplier to know more about the specific cleaning materials for this demand. I even flew to Auckland to get the training of practical skills required to successfully carry out methamphetamine decontamination work in a professional manner and in compliance with NZS 8510:2017 – Testing and Decontamination of Methamphetamine-contaminated Properties. I was determined to expand my portfolio and take control of the situation.

Seeking Professional Help

Throughout this journey, I engaged various professionals, including cleaning specialists, insurance and legal advisors, to make informed choices. This support was invaluable; it helped me deal with all the complexities of the situation, which required clarity and expertise.

The Importance of Transparency

We also learned the importance of transparency. Keeping the buyers updated about our progress was crucial to maintaining their trust and showing that we were taking care of the problem. This demonstrated our commitment to resolving the issue and ensured that communication remained open.

The Cleaning Process

After fourteen hours of cleaning mainly two rooms, we wanted to ensure the house was properly cleaned and safe. We asked the company to perform a new test to confirm its safety.

A Successful Outcome

And it was fully restored! We progressed with the sale process and recently concluded the saga of selling the house.

Through this journey, I learned that facing challenges head-on can lead to growth and resilience. I now feel more equipped to handle similar situations in the future.

The house, fully cleaned and safe. Ready for the new owners and their tenants.