These long-awaited rules will bring certainty and consistency to an area that has caused confusion for years, giving both landlords and tenants clear guidance on when testing and decontamination are required.
What’s Changing
Under the new regulations, which are expected to take effect in 2026, landlords will have clear direction on:
When a property is considered contaminated:
Contamination is defined when meth levels are above 15μg per 100cm².When decontamination is required:
Properties must be cleaned until levels are no longer above 15μg per 100cm².When a tenancy can be terminated due to contamination:
If levels exceed 30μg per 100cm², landlords will be able to end a tenancy due to contamination.How testing and decontamination should be carried out:
The new rules will outline approved testing methods and standards for decontamination.What to do with abandoned goods:
Clear procedures will be provided for handling tenants’ belongings left behind in contaminated homes.
Why These Changes Matter
For landlords, this new framework means less uncertainty and clearer responsibilities. Until now, there has been no legal standard for what constitutes contamination, leaving landlords to rely on inconsistent advice and costly precautionary testing.
The regulations are also designed to protect tenant health while ensuring responses remain proportionate and practical - helping to avoid unnecessary costs for landlords where contamination levels are low.
When Will the Rules Apply?
The regulations are expected to come into force in 2026.
The Government has indicated there will be plenty of time to prepare, and detailed guidance will be released closer to commencement.
At myRent, we’ll monitor these developments and share more updates and practical guidance as the new meth contamination regulations move closer to implementation.
In the meantime, if you’d like help arranging a meth test or Healthy Homes inspection, myRent partners with Healthy Homes NZ, who offer comprehensive assessments and meth testing services for landlords.
The information contained in this article is exclusively for promotional purposes. It does not in any way constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as the basis for any legal action or contractual dealings. The information is not and does not attempt to be, a comprehensive account of the relevant law in New Zealand. If you require legal advice, you should seek independent legal counsel. myRent.co.nz does not accept any liability that may arise from the use of this information.
