Mid winter Thoughts on P or Meth testing

Whilst the meth or p testing thing is all up in the air there are still sensible precautions that can be taken. If in any doubt get property p or meth tested being in the know is important. After all "do no harm " cant be a bad principle go through life with so why not apply it with regard to p or meth testing. 

Its worrying to see that some letting agents have now decided not to meth test any properties they manage. Comments like this are appearing on social media from some companies as an OK policy. It is a reaction to the moment where they think it will save all concerned some money. Especially as some large institiutions such as Housing New Zealand appear to be thinking of relaxing the levels of p or meth that are acceptable in their properties.

Savvy prospective tenents should ask questions about a property before they sign on the dotted line. Ask if the property has been tested for p or meth. If it has been tested for p or meth check what the results were. Only then decide what is right for you.

Property managers have to disclose the information ONLY if it is above 15 micrograms per 100 square centimetres. If the p or meth level is above 1.5 micrograms (the current limit used by the Tenancy Tribunal) but below the 15 micrograms per 100 square centimetres they dont. ( Real estate agents when selling properties also have to disclose information of this nature too)

So ask questions!!!!!!.

 If p or meth testing has not been done ask if the landlord would have it tested prior to moving in. It is to their and a prosective tenants advantage to know a property is clean.  If a tenant themselves has a property  p or meth tested on moving in and it is above1.5 micrograms per 100 square centimetres they could have a case to take to the Property Tribunal as the property could be deemed uninhabitable to rent. Damages may be awarded to the tenant if their case if proved.

 If a property is over the current limit of 1.5 micrograms per 100 square centimetres it may be better to stay clear.

No thought appears to have been given to the lack of long term accurate research which catagorically says its fine and that there are no health issues living with P or meth within a property.

Properties that are let out should have a clean bill of health on many levels. Whether it is insulated, heated properly correctly plumbed and electrically tested and the list could go on. If these all are not carried out to an accepable standard then individuals health is at risk. P or meth testing a property needs to fall into this somewhere. At present the limits deemed hazardous to health have not been changed from the 1.5 micograms per 100 square centimetres which came in  during 2017.

Buying and selling properties also has the same issues around p or meth testing. Many agents have been suggesting a seller gets a p or meth test done to form part of the selling pack.  A proven p free house must be a positive for all concerned. By choosing not to test does not mean the issue has gone away. A buyer can decide to pay for a p or meth test to enable them to decide whether to carry on with the purchase. At a later date when they move they may decide to incude that detail in their sellers pack and even have their own property retested to show continuous monitoring.

So in essence the main thoughts are keep testing.  Ask lots of questions. Keep watching to see any new reports or infomation that comes out.  There is nothing wrong with having conservative view points Remember keep safe and healthy!!