Methamphetamine Guide for Landlords

Methamphetamine (‘meth’) contamination continues to be an issue for some New Zealand landlords, and can create uncertainty when it comes to tenant health, property values, clean-up requirements, and potential insurance or Tenancy Tribunal disputes. For several years, there have been too widely referenced guidelines in use, the NZS 8510:2017 standard and the 2018 Gluckman Report, which has made it difficult for landlords to understand which level to rely on.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has now confirmed which thresholds will form the basis of the new meth regulations. Although these regulations are expected to come into force during 2026, landlords should expect the Tribunal to consider
these levels in current decisions, and should be prepared to act in line with this approach.

This guide explains the thresholds, how they are interpreted, and what steps may be required if contamination is found. It’s designed to help landlords remain compliant, protect their tenants, and avoid disputes.