Okay, I have been hearing this rumor about KY.... (London: sales, lease)

[beilart]

I have been reading and hearing that Kentucky has a problem with "meth lab" homes. I also understand that this is a severe problem in other states like West Virginia, Missouri, Oklahoma (where I am from). When one purchases a home, one does of course pay for an inspection and that would include looking for mold, termites etc... I know that Kentucky now has a law that prevents the sale or lease of a home that has had a meth lab or at least it has to be disclosed by the seller (oh sure this really works). In your opinion, is the meth lab problem throughout the state severe enough that we should have what ever home we purchase tested for it, if there is such a test. I would really like some opinions on this.

[InLondon]

This exists in every state. It originated on the West Coast and there's a big problem in WA, OR, CA, NV. It's everywhere....

[beilart]

I know it is everywhere but I hear it is really severe in KY. We were concered enough to get some stats from the State Police Dept in KY.

[urbancharlotte]

I agree with InLondon. Meth is EVERYWHERE. Just try to stay clear of any poorer areas of the state and you will be fine.

[johnsonkk]

Originally Posted by beilart

I know it is everywhere but I hear it is really severe in KY. We were concered enough to get some stats from the State Police Dept in KY.

So how did that work out (getting stats from the state police?)

Here is a decent link at the problem nationwide - and Kentucky fairs quite well compared to the national average.

DEA, Maps of Methamphetamine Lab Incidents

But like all crime, if you have good enforcement (and dumb criminals), the stats will be higher than a neighboring state with poor enforcement. If you are only using these charts to pick your state, then good luck. I'd us state income taxes, property taxes, city taxes, sales tax, climate, job offers, and a few others as a better determination on where to select your next home.

[beilart]

We were quite fortunate in getting those stats as we had a relative that works for a different state police go to bat for us. I have seen the DEA site but I wanted at least some other sources for more verification and we have one more source where we are waiting for information. But, thank you anyway.

[dixiegirl7]

If a meth lab is discovered in a home, it has to go through an extensive clean up and restoration process before anyone can live in the home again. In Kentucky, there are also strict seller's disclosure laws on property being sold through a realtor/broker.

I don't think the problem is widespread enough to have a property tested, but it is up to you. Actually, you are in more danger staying in a hotel room, where a lot of meth labs are busted. Hotels do not fall under the strict restoration guidelines other property owners do either.

[beilart]

Originally Posted by dixiegirl7

If a meth lab is discovered in a home, it has to go through an extensive clean up and restoration process before anyone can live in the home again. In Kentucky, there are also strict seller's disclosure laws on property being sold through a realtor/broker.

I don't think the problem is widespread enough to have a property tested, but it is up to you. Actually, you are in more danger staying in a hotel room, where a lot of meth labs are busted. Hotels do not fall under the strict restoration guidelines other property owners do either.

Excellent, that is exactly what I wanted to know. I suspected it wasn't near the problem I was hearing and that just confirmed it. It is always good to hear from people who have kept up with these things. Hotels, eh? Damn! Well, they grow pot in the hotels in Amsterdam.

[johnsonkk]

Originally Posted by beilart

Excellent, that is exactly what I wanted to know. I suspected it wasn't near the problem I was hearing and that just confirmed it. It is always good to hear from people who have kept up with these things. Hotels, eh? Damn! Well, they grow pot in the hotels in Amsterdam.

Not that I know, I'm just saying that you'd have to stay in a hotel for quite some time if you're growing pot.

[beilart]

The last time we were there, a young couple was living in the hotel where we stayed and had been there for about 2 months waiting for their house to close. They had the cutest little pot plants growing in their window sill. You ought to see some of the house boats on the canals, nice big plants.