Under the Meth Regulations that came into effect on 16th April 2026 the Maximum Acceptable Level of Meth Contamination for a Rental Property is 15 µg per 100cm2.

The Maximum Level of Meth Contamination in a Rental property is 30 µg per 100cm2

The cost of a meth test depends on the size of the property and the number of samples required.MethTec offers professional meth testing in Auckland from $199 + GST for a 5-patch laboratory screen test, $249 + GST for a 10-patch laboratory screen test and $349 + GST for a 20-patch screen test.Our testing is carried out using an independent accredited laboratory, with results generally available within 2 working days.If a screening test detects methamphetamine, we can advise you on the appropriate next steps and whether further individual testing is required.Need a meth test in Auckland? Contact MethTec for a quote or to arrange testing.

A positive meth test means that methamphetamine residue has been detected in one or more samples taken from the property.A positive result does not necessarily mean the property is unsafe or requires remediation. What happens next will depend on the level detected, where the sample was taken, the type of property and the testing method used.If methamphetamine is detected during an initial screening test, further individual testing may be recommended to identify which areas are contaminated and the level of contamination.MethTec can explain your laboratory results and advise you on the appropriate next steps.

During manufacture or consumption through smoking, chemical compounds become airborne, depositing into walls, ceilings, appliances, carpets and furniture.

No. The new regulations cover rental properties, which are properties included in the Residential Tenancies Act. A house for sale or a car is still covered by the NZ Standard, NZS8510:2017, and the level of 1.5 µg per 100cm2. NZS8510:2017 is being reviewed but that is unlikely to come into effect until 2027.

Yes. NZS 8510:2017, the New Zealand Standard for testing and decontamination of methamphetamine-contaminated properties, is being reviewed following the introduction of the new methamphetamine regulations for rental properties.What is likely to change?One major change will be the methamphetamine level used for rental properties. The regulations set the Maximum Acceptable Level (MAL) at 15 µg/100 cm², and currently require references to the limits in NZS 8510:2017 to be read as 15 µg/100 cm² when the Standard is being applied under the regulations.This means the revised Standard will need to accommodate the regulations 15 µg/100 cm² level for rental properties, replacing the current 1.5 µg/100 cm² limit in NZS 8510:2017 for this purpose.Could the revised Standard differ from the regulations?Potentially. Two areas MethTec will be watching closely are carpet decontamination and clearance certificates.The regulations specifically override the existing NZS 8510 requirements for carpets, allowing carpets to be HEPA vacuumed and steam cleaned rather than automatically dealt with under the existing Standard's carpet provisions.There is also an important difference regarding clearance certificates. NZS 8510:2017 currently requires a clearance certificate following successful decontamination, whereas the 2026 regulations specifically state that these are not required. Post-decontamination testing is still required to demonstrate that the property is no longer contaminated.MethTec expects these issues to be important parts of the NZS 8510 review and will update our guidance once the revised Standard is finalised.

If a Screen Test is positive, it means methamphetamine has been detected in one or more of the areas sampled.The next step is Detailed Testing. This involves taking individual samples from throughout the property to determine where the contamination is located and the level present in each area.The detailed test results provide a clearer picture of the extent of contamination and help determine whether cleaning or decontamination is required.MethTec will explain your results, the applicable limits, and what steps should be taken next.

A Screen Test is the first step in checking a property for methamphetamine contamination.Our qualified tester takes samples (sometimes called patches) from selected surfaces throughout the property. Each sample is taken from a measured 10cm × 10cm area and is individually identified so we know exactly where it was taken.The samples are then sent to an accredited laboratory, where they are combined and analysed as a composite sample. The laboratory provides a numerical result showing whether methamphetamine has been detected and the level of contamination.If the Screen Test indicates elevated methamphetamine contamination, the individual samples can then be analysed separately to identify which rooms or areas are affected.A Screen Test is a cost-effective way of determining whether more detailed testing is required.

A Comprehensive Lab Test, also known as detailed testing, is used to determine the location and level of methamphetamine contamination within a property.Unlike a Screen Test, each sample is analysed individually by an accredited laboratory. This provides a separate result for each area tested, showing exactly where methamphetamine has been detected and at what level.Comprehensive testing is generally carried out following a positive Screen Test, or where there is already reason to suspect methamphetamine contamination.The results provide a detailed picture of the extent of contamination and can be used to determine what cleaning or decontamination may be required.

It is a synthetic or cooked drug manufactured out of Ephedrine or Pseudoephedrine, Acetone, Benzene, Sodium Hydroxide, Ammonium Nitrate among other industrial chemicals. These industrial chemicals shouldn’t be kept in your home let alone manufactured into an extremely hazardous substance. Meth can be snorted, injected, swallowed or smoked.

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Normally in Clandestine drug labs (Clan Labs) or the ‘Shake n Bake’ method. A clan lab can be in a house, apartment, garages, motel, sheds, camper vans, boats or even cars. ‘Shake and Bake’ is a quick and dirty method that can be made in the back of a car.

You will need to get a test done. The first step is normally a screen test. This is a cheap test that takes less than an hour and costs from $179.00 plus GST. This test tells you whether or not Meth has been detected in the property. Should your home test positive the next step is to do a Lab Test to establish the extent of the contamination.

Yes, but... You can use self-test kits but be aware that there are none that are currently validated to the NZ Standard, NZS8510:2017. A self-test kit is a useful tool for before and after testing but can not be used for confirmation of a Negative result in the Tenancy Tribunal.The kits we have recently looked at do not provide any data on detection thresholds or sensitivity. More info can be found here

Good question. Regulation 12(2)(e) of the 2026 regulations does allow landlords to HEPA-vacuum and steam-clean contaminated carpets if they are deemed capable of being cleaned. We strongly disagree with this clause. There is No definitive scientific research that shows that steam cleaning safely removes meth toxins from porous soft furnishings, like carpet. Because there is no internationally recognised method to test carpets post-cleaning, you cannot guarantee occupant safety post cleaning. We maintain that unless the carpet can be accurately re-tested and proven safe, it should always be replaced.

A composite test is where multiple samples are taken and are then combined to produce a result saying whether Meth is present or not. We do Lab tests which are sent to an IANZ Accfredited lab and the result is reported as a Quantitive figure. The results take one-two days to come back. We can also use our mobile-lab. This is a highly accurate but non-accredited option under NZS8510. It will detect Meth above a level of 0.125 mircrograms per 100 sqcm - which is well under the Stanard of 1.5 micrograms. It provides a Positive or Negative result.

There isn’t a Global Standard or level deemed safe when Meth is Detected. The NZS8510:2017 Standard is 1.5 µ per 100sqcm. This differs from the view of the Tenancy Tribunal, which has required a Landlord to repay rent and costs of $7,525 to a Tenant, when the contamination level was above 0.1 µ per 100sqcm. See report http://www.nzpif.org.nz/news/view/57925 The Gluckman Report recommends a proposed level of 15.0 micrograms. Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii & Kentucky for instance all have a level of 0.1 µ per 100sqcm. Colorado has a level of 0.5 µ per 100sqcm. California has a level of 1.5 µ per 100sqcm. As you can see there is no consensus on a safe level.

In 2016 Standards New Zealand put together a group of Industry experts to provide a Standard and a new level for Meth Contamination. Prior to 2017 the industry, insurance companies and the Tenancy Tribunal used the 2010 Ministry of Health Guidelines into the Remediation of Meth Labs. The Standard came out rcommending a new level of 1.5 micrograms ber 10sqcm. At present the Insurance Industry is using the NZS8510:2017 Standard. The Gluckman Report came out in May 2018. Housing New Zealand has odopted the Gluckman Reports proposed level of 15.0 micrograms. See NZS8510:2017 Standard here: https://www.standards.govt.nz/sponsored-standards/testing-and-decontamination-of-methamphetamine-contaminated-properties

Symptoms can include: Skin Rashes Headaches Dizziness Fatigue Shortness of Breath

The Gluckman Report is a contentious report written by Sir Peter Gluckman, formerly the Prime Ministers Chief Science Advisor. It is contentious as the report recommended moving the acceptable level of Meth from the current NZ Standard of 1.5 micrograms per 100sqcm to 15.0 micrograms per 100sqcm, this is a quantum leap. As a result of Glickman’s report Housing NZ and the Real Estate Authority (REA) have adopted the new level of 15.0 micrograms. The issue here is that we have the NZS8510:2017 Standard and the new Gluckman level, the public are confused and no one is 100% sure what level to use. As a result of the report the Meth Testing Industry Association have been trying to get some concerns answered. After getting no-where we approached MP Simon O’Connor who asked the following written question of Megan Woods, the Minister of Research Science and Innovation. 22158 (2018). Simon O'Connor to the Research, Science and Innovation (Minister - Dr Megan Woods) (13 Sep 2018): Does the ESR stand by their report, "Review of Remediation Standards for Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratories” (07 October 2016) recommending that an acceptable level be 1.5ug/100cm2 for methamphetamine use, or do they agree with a level of 15ug/100cm2 as adopted by the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor report? Hon Dr Megan Woods (Research, Science and Innovation (Minister - Dr Megan Woods)) replied: I am advised that ESR stands by its report. So ESR stands by it’s 2016 recommendation of 1.5 micrograms per 100 sqcm What do we do now? Until there is a consensus on what the level will be we recommend that you follow the advice of your Insurance Company.

We say to allow up to 1 hour for a Screen Test. It may take longer for a Detailed Assessment.

Yes, our samplers are NZQA Qualified for meth testing. Our Director, Mike, is also a Licensed Private Investigator.

In many cases, there are no obvious signs that a property has methamphetamine contamination. A home can look clean and well maintained while still having meth residue present on surfaces.Possible warning signs may include unusual chemical smells, staining or discolouration, chemical containers or equipment, excessive security, or evidence of previous drug use. However, these signs are not always present and their absence does not mean a property is free from contamination.The only reliable way to determine whether methamphetamine contamination is present is to have the property properly tested.If you are buying, renting or managing a property and have concerns about its history, a MethTec Screen Test can provide peace of mind and identify whether further testing is required.

Yes. Methamphetamine contamination isn't limited to houses. Meth residue can also be left behind in cars, campervans, caravans and boats where meth has been smoked, used or manufactured.Because these are often small, enclosed spaces, meth residue can settle on interior surfaces, including dashboards, doors, walls, upholstery and other fittings.MethTec can test vehicles, campervans and boats for methamphetamine contamination, particularly if you are considering purchasing one or have concerns about its previous use.If methamphetamine is detected, further testing may be recommended to determine the extent and level of contamination.

Meth contamination testing is critical in New Zealand homes to identify hidden health risks, ensure legal compliance, and protect insurance coverage during property transactions. Because toxic residues from heavy manufacturing or usage are often invisible and odorless, professional testing provides the only reliable baseline to prove a property is safe and habitable. Legally, it ensures landlords do not rent out contaminated properties, while most insurers require a test between tenancies.