Tenancy Tribunal sticks to existing meth standard
The report by the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Sir Peter Gluckman, which came as a shock to the industry and certainly raised a lot of questions seems to have not persuaded the Tenancy Tribunal.
The Tenancy Tribunal has published the first orders on meth contamination to be issued following the release of the Gluckman report – and it seems nothing has changed for the Tribunal.
Of the six orders, two are about adjourning proceedings and, as such, aren’t relevant. But the four other orders all stick to the existing 1.5 microgram standard as published in NZS 8510.
To read the full article see www.landlords.co.nz/article/6510…
So, what does this mean for landlords?
Based on the latest rulings of the Tenancy Tribunal it clearly shows that landlords, and tenants, are going to be held against the existing levels in NZS 8510 – which is 1.5ug/100cm2.
This highlights the importance of between tenancy testing as without a “baseline” figure there is no definitive answer as to which tenancy was responsible for causing contamination.
Likewise, without a “baseline” figure landlords may find that the tenant has a case against them for providing them with a contaminated property.
Is the Standard going to change?
It was strongly publicised by Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Phil Twyford that the “Gluckman” report was going to be the basis of, and prompt a review of NZS 8510.
Standards New Zealand have confirmed by email, as at 3rd July 2018, that no organisation or the Minister has asked for a review of NZS 8510.
What to do?
From the rulings by the Tenancy Tribunal it is clear that the recommendations in Sir Peter Gluckman’s report do not supersede NZS 8510.
At Drug Smart it is our view that meth testing between tenancies, or before purchasing, is a proactive and diligent way of risk protection. Aside from health effects, we believe that landlords do not want tenants who smoke methamphetamine in their properties, and that home buyers do not want to buy a house with methamphetamine contamination, regardless of the level.
As an IANZ Accredited methamphetamine testing organisation we will continue working with clients to provide an efficient, informative and cost-effective service.
