The long-awaited Methamphetamine Regulations will commence a little earlier than expected.
The new regulations under the RTA will come into force on April 16 introducing a formal framework for identifying and managing methamphetamine contamination in rental properties.
The regulations set two legal thresholds. A maximum acceptable level of 15 micrograms per 100cm² will determine when a property is legally considered contaminated. A higher maximum inhabitable level of 30 micrograms per 100cm² will trigger an uninhabitable notice under Section 59B
Testing must follow the detailed assessment method in New Zealand Standard 8510:2017 with some modifications.
Landlords are required to undertake testing if notified by Police or a local authority of suspected methamphetamine manufacture, or if initial screening indicates contamination may exceed the acceptable level.
Where contamination is confirmed, landlords must complete a prescribed decontamination process before re-letting the property, or as soon as practicable if remediation occurs during an ongoing tenancy.
The regulations also modify the standard process for dealing with abandoned goods to address the added risks and costs associated with contaminated items.
