NZS 8510 2017 New Zealand Standards for Methamphetamine Testing

This month this New Zealand standard was issued. It sets out the standard required for sampling, testing, reporting and decontamination of Methamphetamine effected properties. The key points of the standard are:

1. Accredited samplers required.
2. Contamination above 1.5mg / 100cm2 for high use areas and above 3.8mg / 100cm2 for limited use areas such as crawl spaces, cavities etc. require decontamination.
3. Samplers must be independent of those that do decontamination. 
4. Sampling methods and procedures are specified.
5. Testing laboratories are accredited.
6. Contents and method of reporting is specified.
7. Procedure for decontamination is specified.

Contact your A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspector for Methamphetamine testing done in accordance with 

NZS 8510:2017.

 Methamphetamine Contamination and Insurance

Insurance companies such as AIG will cover policy holders for Meth contamination. The policy will almost always exclude family members who use (or manufacture) the drug at the property.

Typically, forensic quantitative testing which shows contamination levels above the specified levels is covered. As an example, AIG will only cover up to $30,000 for decontamination and a minimum excess of $2,500 will apply unless a higher excess applies.

Since badly contaminated properties (such as where “P” has been manufactured) could cost much more than $30,000 to rectify there is still a high risk of a big financial loss. It is important therefore to ensure properties are tested when buying or renting.

There is no cover for holiday rentals or air b and b type short letting arrangements for Meth use but cover exists for contamination from manufacture storage and distribution. For landlords to be insured a whole raft of conditions apply such as:

1. Reasonable care in selecting tenants.
2. Keeping written records of pre-tenancy checks.
3. Collecting 3 weeks rent and / or bond and register the bond with Tenancy Services.
4. Do internal and external inspections at least every 3 months and for every change of tenant.
5. Keep records and photos of all inspections.
6. Monitor rents and if 14 days in arrears send written plus personal visit to correct the situation.
7. Must apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for vacant possession if:
8. The rent is 21 days in arrears.
9. You become aware of any illegal activity by the occupants.
10. If any intentional damage is done by the occupants. 

Failure to do these things may well invalidate the insurance. It would be wise to contact your A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspector to test for Methamphetamine before you buy or rent out a property.