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Meth Testing

What do you need to know about meth ?

• The Use of Meth is growing

• Availability is at an all-time high while price is dropping

• We are in a state of transition – the recommendations in the Gluckman report must be Independently reviewed by a panel of Toxicologists.

• The outcome of which should be included in an updated Standard and incorporated in Tenancy law changesMassively conflicting Advice

• Gluckman Report – Exposure to levels below 15 micrograms “would be highly unlikely to have any adverse effects”

• Representatives at the PMCSA have stated the Gluckman “report was never intended to be a de facto standard but has been adopted as such by some agencies”

  • Yet the Tenancy Tribunal, REA and some Councils  have effectively adopted is as a de-facto standard – we can only assume this is a result of political pressure

• ESR – Helped develop the current standard (NZS8510:2017) and set 1.5μg – still stand by these levels and continue to recommended levels of 1.5 μ

• There continues to be no legal requirement to test

• The two key questions remain

  • What does your insurance policy require to protect your entitlements?

  • What is your appetite for risk and ability to cover remediation costs in a worst-case scenario?

• The Accountability & deterrence aspects should never be overlooked or underestimated, having a baseline test at a point in time establishes the property was free from contamination when the tenancy begins, and an expectation is set that it should remain that way.

What Does Best Practice Look like?

• The right to test (regardless of whether you plan to or not) must be included in your Tenancy Agreement

• Pre-Tenancy Baseline Testing (Using Lab Composite Methodology) is still the most effective way to help protect your investment. It is the only way to identify any drug presence prior to a tenancy beginning or at the conclusion of any tenancy

• A “no presence detected” baseline test is still the best way for landlords to ensure they are positioned correctly to help place liability onto those who caused any contamination, should it occur.

• Anyone who has an interest in ensuring their environment or assets are free of Methamphetamine contamination. Landlords, tenants, vendors and prospective buyers of property should all consider undertaking testing on properties.

• The cost associated with undertaking a test is nothing compared to the costs of remediation, or potential costs of being held accountable for a contaminated property let alone the health effects associated with exposure – it makes sense to test first.

• In our considerable experience, a clear commitment around screening, especially proactively – can be a strong deterrent to those considering using these facilities for illegal activities.

• Landlords & Property managers – At the start and end of a tenancy (one test per tenancy) or high risk Holiday homes between usage or on a scheduled basis

• Tenants – Before moving into a property, ensuring there is no pre-existing issues. Safeguard your health and protect yourself from being held accountable for previous tenants’ behaviours.

• Prospective buyers –As part of the due-diligence process undertake a test as part of the “toxicology” clause

• Lawyers – Recommend as part of your clients’ due-diligence process undertaking a test as part of the “toxicology” clause.

• Vendors – Rule out any issues before putting your property on the market and undertaking a marketing campaign, ruling out any issues

• Employers – Testing company motor vehicles as part of your PCBU obligations to employees