Rumors of a meth lab!!!

[Ben Cochran]

I put in an offer on a triplex this morning. 

This evening I received this letter back from the listing agent, basically telling me that the neighbors said that the property was a meth lab. The owner says they aren't aware of any type of meth use in the home. 

Now any offer I put in on the house, must be accompanied by the meth disclosed that I've copied and pasted below 

This would be my first rental if all goes well and I would be an owner/occupant as well. 

Any advice? 

Below is the meth disclosure emailed to me by the listing agent; (I changed the address) 

RE: 123 Main Street Fort Collins, CO 80524

In attempting to sell the property at 123 Main St we were made aware that a neighbor mentioned to another prospective buyer that they think this tri-plex may have been a Meth Lab. This information has not been confirmed, and we were also not able to confirm this information with the neighbor. The seller stated to us that they are unaware of any Meth activity on this property. This could be just a rumor or it could be fact. At this time, we have nothing to substantiate this or deny it, and no tests have been performed. However, since we were made aware of this information, even though not verified, we are now compelled to make this disclosure.

Buyer should assume the possibility that Meth may be present. If present, methamphetamine can have adverse consequences. We always advise in maters of this nature, to test before buying. It is up to the buyer to decide whether or not to proceed, and what tests or investigations to obtain in order to determine this. Buyer shall satisfy themselves as to the presence or absence of Meth. 

Should I just walk away or disregard the neighbors "rumors" and sign the disclosure?

Is there anything I can do to protect myself if meth residue is actually found?

Thanks

[Jean Bolger]

I would say don't sign that thing. By CO law they have to disclose if they know there has been meth production on the property. They don't have to if the place has been remediated. Frankly, what they are doing here sounds like some weird CYA bull****. "well, we're not saying it is, but we're not saying it's not. But we're being super clear about what we aren't saying, so you can't say we didn't not say what didn't say, know what I mean, right?"   

I'd ignore that disclosure (as a buyer you don't have to sign any of the other disclosures, why that one?), get a contract with an inspection period and have your own tests done.