Whether you are looking to buy or already own a property, understanding and managing the risks associated with residual meth contamination is essential to ensure a home is – and remains – safe and healthy.
The Safe & Healthy Home Solutions team uses sampling and testing methods set down by the New Zealand Standard NZS8510. We provide high-quality service, backed up by lab analysis, expert reporting and support.
We recommend you meth test before buying a property, and in between tenancies, starting with a simple screening test to establish the meth status of the property. If you find that a property does have issues with meth, we’re happy to use our extensive knowledge and experience to help you work through the challenges meth residues can present.
OUR ADVICE FOR A SAFE AND HEALTHY HOME:
PROTECT YOURSELF WHEN BUYING
Make sure ‘subject to a satisfactory meth test’ is part of your conditions of offer when buying a property, particularly if it has a history of being a rental/holiday home.
The Real Estate Authority has recently advised that agents only have to advise purchasers when levels exceed 15µg/100cm2, unless people have shown a specific interest or concern around meth. This doesn’t mean the problem has gone away. It simply means you are less likely to be made aware of it!
If you want to know for sure what the meth history of a property is, you must book your own meth test.
LOOK AFTER WHAT YOU OWN
Investment properties are unfortunately the type of home that are at greatest risk of being contaminated by meth. Over 70% of meth labs found by police are in rentals.
Tenants who have meth habits increase the risk to your investment. Issues can arise with rent payment, property damage and behavioural issues. When these are combined with an increased risk of a mobile lab turning up, deterring people involved with meth from renting your home is worthwhile.
As a minimum, we recommend testing between tenancies and letting your tenants know that you are doing so.
