NZ Meth Testing Regulations for Rental Properties – What Landlords Need to Know

New methamphetamine contamination regulations for New Zealand rental properties came into force on 16 April 2026.

The regulations introduce legally enforceable rules covering meth testing, contamination levels, decontamination and tenancy termination.

For landlords and property managers, two numbers are particularly important: 15 µg/100 cm² and 30 µg/100 cm².

Key methamphetamine contamination levels for New Zealand rental properties under the regulations that came into force on 16 April 2026.

Here's what the new rules mean for rental properties.

What is the new meth contamination limit for rental properties?

Explain 15 µg/100 cm². HUD says a rental is considered contaminated where detailed testing finds residue above that level, with contamination determined room-by-room.

What happens above 30 µg/100 cm²?

Explain the 7-day landlord / 2-day tenant termination provisions.

What meth testing methods are allowed?

The regulations specify which meth testing methods can be used.

Permitted methods include:

• Individual sampling

• Laboratory composite testing

• Validated screening test kits

Field composite testing and unvalidated screening kits are not permitted.

MethTec uses Laboratory Composite Testing for our Screen Tests.

What happens if a Screen Test is above 15 µg/100 cm²?

HUD says that where a permitted screening assessment shows a level above 15 µg/100 cm², the landlord must arrange Detailed Testing, which can only be performed by a qualified professional independent of the decontaminator.

MethTec technician doing a test

Carpets and curtains: The regulations allow landlord-provided carpets and curtains that can be cleaned to remain where the prescribed cleaning process is followed. This includes HEPA vacuuming and steam cleaning. Questions remain within the testing industry about how the effectiveness of cleaning porous materials such as carpet can be verified.

Should landlords still test between tenancies?

The regulations do not require landlords to test between every tenancy. However, landlords can choose to carry out a screening assessment between tenancies.

A baseline Screen Test can provide a documented record of the property's methamphetamine level at a particular point in time. This may be useful when establishing the condition of the property at the beginning or end of a tenancy and may also be relevant to insurance requirements.

MethTec recommends landlords consider baseline testing between tenancies, particularly where maintaining a documented testing history is important.

Residential Tenancies (Managing Methamphetamine Contamination) Regulations 2026