Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth or P, is a highly addictive stimulant and a Class A controlled drug in New Zealand. When meth is used or manufactured inside a property, residues can be left behind on surfaces and materials. These residues canremain in the property and may require professional assessment and decontamination.

Methamphetamine use and, particularly, manufacture can introduce chemical residues into a property and its contents. Contamination can affect surfaces, furnishings and other materials and may require specialist cleaning or removal.

Because contamination can be difficult to identify by sight alone, appropriate testing is important where meth use or manufacture is suspected.

Methamphetamine contamination can occur in any type of property where meth has been used or manufactured. It is not possible to confirm contamination simply by looking at a property, which is why appropriate screening and, where required, detailed testing are important.

For rental properties, New Zealand’s current regulations provide specific requirements for testing, contamination levels and decontamination.

There is no single sign that can confirm methamphetamine use or contamination. Possible indicators may include unusual chemical odours, staining or damage to surfaces, discarded drug-related items, unusual activity or evidence suggesting drug use or manufacture.

However, these signs are not proof of contamination. Testing by an appropriate method is the reliable way to determine whether meth residue is present.

Property owners and managers may notice unusual chemical smells, unexplained staining or damage, excessive ventilation, discarded containers or other items associated with drug use or manufacture.

It is important not to rely on visual signs alone. If contamination is suspected, professional advice and appropriate testing should be considered.

Property owners should focus on observable property-related indicators, rather than making assumptions about a tenant.

Concerns may include unexplained property damage, unusual chemical odours, evidence of drug use or manufacture, or information from Police or other authorities. If meth use, manufacture or sale is suspected at a rental property, Tenancy Servicesrecommends contacting Police and the local Council.

Meth contamination can create health, financial and tenancy-management concerns. Depending on the level and location of contamination, affected areas may need to be decontaminated, and some materials may need to be professionally cleaned or replaced.

Under the regulations that came into effect in April 2026, a rental property is considered contaminated where meth residue exceeds 15 µg/100 cm², and affected areas must be decontaminated to 15 µg/100 cm² or below. Levels above 30 µg/100 cm² can make aproperty legally uninhabitable, subject to the circumstances set out in the regulations.

New Zealand has specific requirements for managing methamphetamine contamination in rental properties under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and the Residential Tenancies (Managing Methamphetamine Contamination) Regulations 2026.

Where required, testing and decontamination must follow the applicable requirements of NZS 8510:2017, as modified by the 2026 regulations. Landlords must not knowinglyrent out contaminated properties and have specific responsibilities when contamination is identified.

Important: This information is intended as general guidance and should not be treatedas legal advice. Requirements can depend on the circumstances of each property. For legal or tenancy disputes, independent legal advice should be obtained.