Concerned about meth contamination levels in your rental property? We discuss the latest findings on acceptable meth levels in NZ homes.

Having been told that any meth contamination levels are bad news, landlords are understandably confused about the Government’s bombshell report. A study undertaken by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, who is the chief science advisor to the Prime Minister, has stated there is “no real risk to humans from third-hand exposure to houses where methamphetamine has been consumed.” This completely contracts past advice in which landlords were advised that even low meth contamination levels posed a health risk to any occupants. Housing New Zealand is facing large out of pocket expenses for evicting tenants in rentals where low levels suggested second hand P smoking exposure had occurred. The testing and decontamination has so far cost over $100 million. However, since Gluckman’s report, around 240 of these vacant state houses have been put back into the rental market. Many meth testing companies are defending their advice to landlords that rentals should be tested before tenancy commences. Simon Fleming from Meth Xpert states that the industry had simply been using the Government guidelines. With P particles remaining in a home for up to 10 years, they can be inhaled in and absorbed through the skin of occupants during multiple tenancies. Many meth testing companies state that it is in the interest of the landlord to know whether their rental is contaminated or not.

What Are the Acceptable Meth Contamination Levels?

Gluckman’s report clearly stated that third hand exposure to methamphetamine smoking residues does not result in adverse health effects. Because of this, the benchmark acceptable levels of P have moved from 1.5ug/100cm2 to 15ug/100cm2, before decontamination is necessary. Gluckman says, "There is absolutely no evidence in the medical literature of anyone being harmed from passive use, at any level. We can't find one case." As a landlord, this means that if your rental has tested positive for P levels below 15ug/100cm2, it can remain rented and no decontamination is required. However, there remains the stigma around P use in rentals. If your home has tested positive at a low level, it may be worth having it cleaned if tenants request it. The rentability of your property is something you must consider. Some tenants may not choose a rental which has tested positive for even low levels if it has not been cleaned. If the market remains tight, with plenty of unrented properties, it may prove cost effective in the long-term to have it professionally cleaned rather than leave it sitting empty. If you are concerned with the possibility of your rental having high meth contamination levels, please seek professional advice. We are also happy to talk through your options with you, so contact us today. You can access a PDF copy of the Methamphetamine Contamination in Residential Properties: Exposures, Risk Levels, and Interpretation of Standards via the Drug Foundation’s website.