Compulsory testing for ice residue in homes

The WA government is looking to review the state's Tenancies Act by forcing all homeowners to submit to a mandatory meth residue test at their rental properties.

Exposure to meth residue is known to cause side effects, such as respiratory problems, headaches, eye and skin irritation and can cause behavioural problems in children.

But just how much meth exposure has health implications is up for debate.

In 2017, Kiwi authorities forced homeowners to clean properties if just 1.5 micrograms of meth was detected.

A report last month by New Zealand’s Chief Scientist indicated “contamination levels would actually need to be ten times higher to have any health impacts”.

Landlords are also facing massive clean-up bills with meth able to hang around long after it’s cooked or smoked in the home.

“The clean-up costs to owners can be really expensive. They can run into the tens of thousands of dollars,” Real Estate Agent Leigh Moore said.

Commerce and Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnson said: “There’s a range of views that need to be balanced, but we need to make sure that homeowners are protected but also that tenants are protected.”

The Real Estate Industry warns the process needs to be done slowly to ensure there is regulatory frame.