New residential-tenancy contamination regulations took effect on 16 April 2026. Use current Tenancy Services guidance and the regulations when assessing a concern. A suspected issue, a screening test and a detailed assessment are different forms of evidence; do not treat them as interchangeable.
Under the current rules, a property is generally contaminated when a detailed assessment identifies more than 15 micrograms per 100 square centimetres, and decontamination is required to the permitted level. The regulations include specific treatment for some areas remote from normal activities, so a result should be interpreted by appropriate professionals rather than reduced to a single headline number.
More than 30 micrograms per 100 square centimetres is treated as uninhabitable for these rules. Depending on the circumstances and responsibility, this can create options to terminate: generally seven days’ notice for the landlord and two days for a tenant who was not responsible. It does not mean every positive test automatically ends a tenancy. Obtain advice before giving notice.
Current guidance explains triggers for detailed assessment, including a valid screening result above the threshold or information from Police or council indicating likely manufacture. Professional testing and decontamination have specified standards and independence requirements. There is no general requirement to test every home at every tenancy change.
Do not disturb a suspected contaminated area or undertake specialist cleaning yourself. Notify the property manager or landlord and record what was observed and when. Arrange qualified advice about testing, safe access, the result and any required work. Follow lawful entry requirements and the rules for providing results to tenants; current guidance includes a seven-day requirement for test results.
Keep the reports, communications, work records and professional clearance together. Reoccupation, responsibility, insurance and any tenancy notice need a case-specific assessment.
For a property managed by Ray White Kaitaia, contact your manager or call 09 408 2900. If there is an immediate safety emergency, use emergency services first. Read Tenancy Services’ current methamphetamine guidance and the Residential Tenancies (Methamphetamine Contamination) Regulations 2026. This page is a starting point, not a testing service, contamination certificate or legal determination.