WAVE 3 - Louisville, KYBuyers can check meth background of new home before purchase

Buyers can check meth background of new home before purchase

By Caton Bredar

LOUISVILLE (WAVE) -- The Floyd County Health Department has a new system for homebuyers to check if the property they're interested in has a history as a meth lab. As the problem of meth keeps growing, officials in both Indiana and Kentucky say it's something people have to consider before buying a home or rental property. WAVE 3's Caton Bredar reports that thanks to laws that went into effect last summer, checking for meth is getting easier -- but there's still room for improvement.

The Floyd County Health Department is the record keepers. Now, the record keepers are trying to share their information.  

"We want the message to go out, that if you are purchasing a home, or if you're planning on renting a home, to contact your local health department. That way, you can find out if there's ever been any meth activity in that home," said Charlotte Bass of the Floyd County Health Department.

With recent changes in state law, law enforcement agencies in Indiana have to notify their health department within hours of a meth bust. Health departments, like Floyd County's, keep the file on all those busts.

"Just call us, give us the address of the home you're interested in renting or buying and we'll let you know whether there's been any meth activity there and whether it's been cleared for someone to move into or not," Bass says.

According to Indiana State Police, the number of meth labs in Indiana alone rose from 766 in 2006 to 820 last year. It's a growing problem, and a health, as well as financial concern, for buyers and renters.

"It is a concern because you have families who rent these homes who have no idea that there has been meth activity in them," says Bass.

It's important too, whether it's a less expensive rental property or a high-priced luxury home. Officials in Jefferson County agree that meth is being used or manufactured in all types of neighborhoods.  

"It's certainly something that's increased over the years. And with the housing market being so volatile, it's something you'd want to check," says Connie Mendel of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness.

In both states, the lists only date back to last summer when new laws went into effect. Still, officials feel it's a start.

"We're making sure those homes are clean for these families to move into, whether they're purchasing the home or whether they're just renting," says Floyd County's Bass.

Addresses of properties with a history of meth use are also posted on state law enforcement and DEA websites. Sometimes there's a delay before they actually appear online.

Officials in both Indiana and Kentucky say the best thing is to check all resources, but always check first with the health department.

Online Reporter:  Caton Bredar

Online Producer: Charles Gazaway