Regulation of Methamphetamine Contamination in Rental Housing
Read about the regulations being proposed to address what should happen when a residential rental premises is contaminated with methamphetamine.
There's currently no evidence conclusively demonstrating a causal link between thirdhand exposure to methamphetamine residue, for example, from methamphetamine residue on surfaces, and adverse health effects. Evidence suggests that low levels of residue will be associated with a very low probability of harm.
However, it's unclear what to do when residential rental premises are found to contain methamphetamine residue. Specifically, it is not clear at what level residue requires remedial action. This is confusing for stakeholders and has led to disproportionate responses to low levels of methamphetamine residue in some cases where there is a low probability of harm.
New Zealand currently uses two different ‘acceptable’ levels for methamphetamine contamination, one from the New Zealand Standard NZS 8510:2017, and the other from the 2018 report by the Prime Minister’s former Chief Science Advisor, Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, on methamphetamine contamination. However, neither of these are mentioned in legislation, therefore neither are legally binding.
Regulations are needed to provide certainty around what to do when residential rental premises are contaminated with methamphetamine.
About the proposed regulations
The proposals include:
- a maximum acceptable level of methamphetamine residue in rental housing, above which premises will be considered to be contaminated
- a maximum inhabitable level of methamphetamine residue, above which tenancies can be terminated in certain circumstances
- requirements for landlords on when and how to test for methamphetamine residue
- what types of testing would be permitted under the regulations
- how to decontaminate premises, including while the landlord continues to provide the premises to the tenant
- what to do with possessions which are left behind in contaminated premises.
Public consultation
Public consultation was undertaken between 2022 and 2023.
The proposal summary, the discussion document, scientific research and summary of consultation submissions are available below.
Next steps
Officials are working on advice for Ministers on policy design.
For information on what to do if a rental property is affected by methamphetamine contamination, please visit the Tenancy Services website.
Related
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Legislation update
Summary of submissions on the regulation of methamphetamine contamination in rental housing
04 February 25
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Legislation update
Updating the Healthy Homes Standards – compliance timeframes
25 November 22
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Legislation update
Consultation on proposed regulation of methamphetamine contamination in rental housing
22 November 22
