While the idea of regular meth testing may seem daunting or unnecessary to some, there are compelling reasons to consider it as a standard practice for managing rental properties. Let’s look at the pros and cons of meth testing between tenancies to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Pros of meth testing between tenancies:
1. Protecting property value
Meth contamination can severely impact your property's value, especially when discovered unexpectedly at the point of sale. Conducting regular baseline tests between tenancies can help maintain your property’s condition and ensure it remains a valuable asset. If you ever decide to sell, a well-maintained property will likely command a higher market price.
2. Early detection can save on costs
The cost of meth contamination clean-ups can be substantial, sometimes running into thousands of dollars for remediation and lost rental income. In contrast, the expense of a single test is relatively minor. Early detection through regular testing can help avoid the high costs associated with extensive decontamination if contamination goes unnoticed for an extended period.
3. Legal and health protection
Documented testing shows that you have proactively maintained the property. Many prospective renters are concerned about health and safety issues, and demonstrating a commitment to maintaining a drug-free property can set you apart in a competitive rental market.
4. Reduces landlord liability
If no pre-tenancy test was completed and meth contamination is later discovered, it can be much harder to hold tenants responsible. This often results in claims against the landlord or property manager, potentially leading to costly repairs and legal issues. A pre-tenancy test establishes a clear baseline to help assign responsibility if contamination is found later.
Things to consider:
While there are benefits to regular testing, there are also a few factors to consider when deciding if meth testing between tenancies is the right approach for you:
Cost of testing
Meth testing between every tenancy does add an expense, and for some landlords, this may feel like an unnecessary cost if their properties are in areas with lower meth incidence. However, when weighed against the potential cost of remediation, regular testing might still be worth the investment in the long run.Frequency of turnover
For landlords with frequent tenant turnover, the cost of regular testing might accumulate quickly. In these cases, some may opt for testing only when warning signs or potential contamination risks arise.Property location and tenant profile
Meth contamination risks vary across locations and tenant profiles, which might inform whether regular testing is necessary. In some areas or tenant demographics, landlords may feel confident enough to skip regular testing, while in higher-risk areas, it might be considered essential.
Is meth testing right for your property?
Ultimately, deciding whether to perform meth testing between tenancies depends on your personal comfort level with the risks. For many landlords, the peace of mind and potential financial protection that comes with regular testing is worth the expense, while others may feel that the risk in their property’s location doesn’t warrant it.
While it may not be necessary for every property, regular testing provides a proactive defense against costly surprises. By evaluating your specific property’s needs, you can determine if meth testing should become a regular part of your property management routine.
If you’d like to check your property and book a meth test, Healthy Homes NZ offers a $10 discount for myRent users on their meth testing services. Visit this link to send your enquiry
The information contained in this article is exclusively for promotional purposes. It does not in any way constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as the basis for any legal action or contractual dealings. The information is not and does not attempt to be, a comprehensive account of the relevant law in New Zealand. If you require legal advice, you should seek independent legal counsel. myRent.co.nz does not accept any liability that may arise from the use of this information.
