Regulations setting clear thresholds and processes for methamphetamine contamination in rental properties have been gazetted and will come into force on 16 April, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says.

Under the rules, a rental will be deemed contaminated if residue is above 15µg per 100cm² and must be decontaminated to at or below that level. Where residue exceeds 30µg per 100cm², landlords and tenants will have the option of ending the tenancy quickly.

In situations where there is evidence of contamination, landlords will be required to use professional testers. Testing and decontamination must align with key elements of New Zealand Standard 8510:2017.

Potaka said the regime is designed to end confusion and inconsistent practices around meth testing in rentals. “These regulations set clear, evidence-based thresholds and processes so everyone knows where they stand,” he said.

The thresholds and approach draw on advice from the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science and former Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor Sir Peter Gluckman. The Government describes the settings as “precautionary but pragmatic”, aiming to protect tenants’ health while avoiding unnecessary costs for landlords.

Guidance for landlords and tenants will be published on MBIE’s Tenancy Services website ahead of 16 April. Further detail on the regulations is available via the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.