A Christchurch family is grappling with unexpected displacement after discovering alarming levels of methamphetamine residue in their rental property. Georgia and Dylan Waghorn, along with their three young children, had resided in the Parklands home for nearly two years, unaware of the contamination that would eventually uproot their lives.

discovery and Initial Reaction

The realization struck Georgia Waghorn during a professional cleaning course, where she recognized signs indicative of meth consumption in her own home. Prompted by these concerns, the waghorns enlisted Meth Test Canterbury to conduct a thorough assessment of the property.

The test results confirmed their fears, revealing widespread meth residue throughout the house. The most concerning reading came from the kitchen-dining area, which registered 24 micrograms per 100 cm², significantly exceeding safety guidelines.

Ms. Waghorn expressed the family’s shock and dismay, stating, We felt realy blindsided by the whole thing. It’s terrifying when young kids are involved – there’s no excuse.

Immediate Displacement and loss

Acting out of caution, the Waghorns made the tough decision to promptly vacate the premises, leaving behind the majority of their possessions.

Eighty per cent of our life has gone to the dump.

Dylan Waghorn

The family faced the heartbreaking task of discarding cherished items, including their children’s toys and clothing, due to the potential contamination.They are currently residing with relatives and relying on donated clothing.

A Givealittle page has been established by a friend to assist the family in replacing essential items and covering their expenses during this challenging period.

Health Concerns and Missed Warning Signs

Despite a 2018 government report suggesting no clear evidence of adverse health effects from third-hand meth exposure, Ms. Waghorn remains concerned about the potential long-term risks, noting that she and one of her children experienced health issues while living in the contaminated property.

The Waghorns also believe they overlooked several warning signs when they initially moved into the rental. These included the removal of a large security system, curtains tacked to window frames, and police visits inquiring about previous tenants.

Legal Recourse and Landlord’s Response

While the landlord has reimbursed some of the family’s expenses, the Waghorns are seeking further compensation for the period they resided in the contaminated surroundings. We never would have rented that house had we known it was toxic,so we basically just want our rent back, Ms. Waghorn stated. The couple continued to pay rent for several weeks after leaving the property.

The Waghorns have filed a claim with the Tenancy Tribunal to resolve the dispute.The landlord, while declining to comment directly, provided independent test results indicating significantly lower levels of meth residue, with only one room slightly exceeding the 1.5mcg standard.

Nathan Tetzlaff,an Auckland lawyer,noted that discrepancies between landlord- and tenant-commissioned tests are common,and the Tenancy Tribunal will ultimately determine the reliability of each set of results.

Under existing laws, landlords may be in violation of the Residential Tenancies Act if pre-existing contamination is discovered. Mr. Tetzlaff explained that the onus is on the landlord to rectify the situation if a property exceeds the “safe” level,possibly including rent reductions until the property is brought up to standard.

Call for Mandatory Testing and Regulatory Uncertainty

Amid rising methamphetamine use, the Waghorns are advocating for mandatory meth testing between tenancies. I’d like to see meth testing become something landlords are required to do between every tenant, Ms. Waghorn urged. you just don’t know what you coudl be going into or who’s been there before. We want to buy our own home, so we don’t have to go through this again, Mr.Waghorn added.

Mr.Tetzlaff supports baseline testing between tenancies, emphasizing its pragmatic value in providing security for tenants and a clear benchmark for landlords.

The government acknowledges the current ambiguity surrounding contaminated rental properties and is developing new regulations to clarify acceptable meth levels, landlord testing requirements, and procedures for handling possessions left in contaminated premises. Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka aims to present these regulations to Cabinet for a decision before the end of the year.