Methamphetamine use has become a widespread concern in our country and the area of Colorado Springs has not been immune to this growing problem in recent years. Meth is highly addictive and easily accessible. In fact, many make it in the confines of their own home. Makeshift meth labs can be set up anywhere including bathrooms or motel rooms. Some of these labs are located in rural areas due to the smell caused by "cooking" but they have been found in urban areas as well. So how does this affect the homebuyer? If meth has been produced in a home, it will seep into the drywall and contaminate virtually everything in the home; these potent chemicals can be very dangerous. Many of these homes have been located by law enforcement officials in the Colorado Springs area and are declared condemned until the home is cleaned up. Until recently, a buyer's agent would obtain a "Methamphetamine Laboratory Disclosure" from the seller. Since January 2007, in Colorado, the contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate has had some changes made by the Real Estate Commission. One of the changes to the contractnow includes meth Lab disclosure within the contract thus, not requiring a separate disclosure from the seller. The seller is required to disclose if property was formerly used a meth lab; this disclosure is not necessary if the property fulfilled the requirements of being remediated to state standards. The homebuyer may request a certificate from the seller stating that the property has indeed been cleaned up and brought up to state standards. The homebuyer may want to investigate further to ensure that the certificate is official. You may contact El Paso County Board of Health at 719-578-3142 for information on properties which have been issued a "fit-for-use" letter. A homebuyer also has the right to have the property tested by a certified hygienist in order to find out if the home was ever used as a meth lab. It is important to be educated how current societal trends such as the use of meth labs in homes can impact you as a homebuyer.
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