Helping you stay in the know
At Glasshouse, we stay updated on everything property law and compliance so our landlords don’t have to. Here’s what you need to know about the latest law changes and what they mean for your rental.
On 29th September 2025, new government regulations were announced outlining how methamphetamine contamination should be managed in rental properties. These changes are expected to come into effect mid 2026. The changes give landlords and tenants clearer guidance about what to do if meth is suspected in a rental property.
The new regulations set one national threshold: 15 micrograms per 100cm². If a property tests below this, it’s considered safe to live in. This update brings some much needed clarity and replaces years of uncertainty around what level of contamination should trigger action, giving landlords more confidence and tenants greater peace of mind.
What This Means For You
For landlords, this means a more simplified process with fewer costs and disruptions. Tenants can also feel more confident that any health risks will be managed under a consistent national standard. Should testing be required, our expert property managers will walk you through the process ensuring you remain compliant with reporting and disclosure requirements.
Updated regulations now advise that routine testing is not essential, and we only test if the manufacturing of meth is suspected. In fact, we are seeing fewer landlords opt in for screening between tenancies. Meth contamination remains a real issue at high levels when manufacturing is involved. So while routine tests are not crucial, we would still recommend testing when purchasing and prior to selling a property to avoid any nasty surprises.
Our top advice? Speak with your bank and insurer who can guide you through any specific nuances linked to your property. Meth contamination can be a complex and sensitive area to navigate but it remains a manageable issue, not a major one. Along with following regulations, we remain guided by our owners on how they want to approach things. Many landlords still opt for routine screening for peace of mind and we are happy to arrange this for you.
The Bottom Line
In short, testing is not needed between tenancies in most cases, but it is still a good idea when purchasing or selling a property, and when manufacturing is suspected. We also highly recommend checking in with your bank and insurer.
Still unsure how these changes apply to your property? Talk to the Glasshouse team. We’re here to help you stay informed and handle any issues that may arise.
If you have questions about your obligations or want expert management that keeps your investment compliant and cared for, get in touch with Glasshouse.
For more information, you can visit: https://www.hud.govt.nz/our-work/methamphetamine-regulations
