Ritchie County Sheriff's Office

Tips for landlords

Signs:

Secretive or unfriendly occupants
Extensive security measures or attempts to ensure privacy such as “No Trespassing” or “Beware of Dog” signs, fences, and large trees or shrubs
Curtains always drawn or windows blackened or covered with aluminum foil on residences, garages, sheds, or other structures
Increased activity, especially at night
Frequent visitors, particularly at unusual times
Renters who pay in cash
Evidence of chemical waste or dumping
Excessive amounts of trash, particularly chemical containers, coffee filters with red stains, duct tape rolls. Empty cans of or paint thinner or pieces of red-stained cloth around the property

In order to avoid renting to those who make meth, take the following steps:

Make sure rental applicants complete rental application
Conduct a thorough background check of the applicant, including criminal background check
Be sure to personally meet each rental applicant and require picture identification
Take note of any suspicious appearances or behaviors of the applicant
Require a lease
Obtain a damage deposit
Look around your property regularly, taking note of any signs of a meth lab or other illegal activity
Announce your intention to visit the property regularly
Ask neighbors help in monitoring property