A California house with a price tag of $1.55 million has recently been listed for sale, but it comes with a shocking history that has potential buyers rethinking their options. Located in a safe neighborhood in San Jose, the property boasts an impressive six bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a spacious 2,743 square feet, complete with a pool. However, it has been revealed that the previous owners had been operating a methamphetamine lab in the garage, leaving the house contaminated.

The house, which was last sold for $1.51 million in March 2021, is now facing a significant decrease in value due to the costs and risks associated with the cleaning process. Real estate consultant John Pagliassotti, based in Newport Beach, explained that decontaminating the property could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and take several months. The residue from the meth lab could still be present in the air conditioning and heating system, within the walls, or even on the lawn, posing potential health hazards to future residents.

Currently, the house is boarded up and surrounded by a metal fence, adorned with signs that warn of hazardous substances and toxic chemicals. The listing, however, does not include any interior photos of the home. The Santa Clara County's health department has also mandated that nobody can enter the property until it has been properly decontaminated.

Keller Williams Realty, the real estate agency handling the sale, stated that once the house is decontaminated, it will be turned over to the new buyer in its current state. However, this poses a unique challenge for potential buyers as they would need to purchase the property without being able to inspect the inside.

The previous owner of the house, 36-year-old Peter Karasev, was arrested in March on multiple charges related to the alleged meth lab. Detectives discovered the lab and meth in the garage during a search, and a glass tube containing meth was also found inside the house. Karasev claimed that he had resorted to using meth as a substitute for Adderall due to a shortage of the medication. He is currently being held without bail at the Elmwood Correctional Complex in Milpitas.

Interestingly, contaminated properties can legally be sold in California, but they must be decontaminated before anyone can enter. Homeowners are required to hire certified hygienists and contractors to clean properties tainted by meth, as stated by the Department of Environmental Health website. Additionally, entering a contaminated property can result in fines of up to $5,000, emphasizing the importance of caution when dealing with such properties.

Given the circumstances surrounding this house, real estate agent Zaid Hanna, who owns a San Jose real estate agency, advised potential buyers to look elsewhere. He stated, "If you were my buyer, I would tell you I'll find you a different opportunity." The future of this property remains uncertain, as buyers weigh the risks and costs associated with its decontamination.