A detailed test finds methamphetamine at 42 µg/100 cm² throughout a rental. The tenant did not cause it and neither party is in breach. What does the Act provide?
Correct Answer
C) Rent abates, and either party may end it: landlord 7 days, tenant 2 days.
Regulation 6 of the 2026 regulations sets the maximum inhabitable level at 30 µg/100 cm². Under s 59B(3), where contamination above that level did not result from a breach, the premises are treated as uninhabitable, rent abates, and either party may give notice to end the tenancy. A landlord's notice must be at least 7 days, a tenant's at least 2 days.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Section 59B with reg 6 gives both parties a termination right above 30 µg/100 cm², with 7- and 2-day notices.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Rent continues in full, and only the landlord may end it with 42 days' notice.
Above the inhabitable level s 59B(3) abates rent and lets either party give notice.
Option B: Rent abates, and either party may end it by giving the other 21 days' notice.
Section 59B(6)–(7) sets a minimum of 7 days for landlords and 2 days for tenants.
Option D: Rent is halved, and the tenant must stay while the landlord decontaminates.
The whole premises are treated as uninhabitable and rent abates; the tenant may leave.
Background Knowledge for Property Management
Source: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2026/24/en/latest/
Exam Tip for Property Management
Above 30: uninhabitable, rent stops, landlord 7 days, tenant 2 days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on Property Management Questions
- •Assuming only the landlord can end the tenancy for contamination.
More Property Management Questions
How long does a landlord have to lodge a bond with Tenancy Services after receiving it from a tenant?
Which of the following is a mandatory requirement for all rental properties under the Healthy Homes standards?
A periodic tenancy began 8 months ago and the rent has never been raised. If the landlord gives written notice today, when is the earliest a rent increase can take effect?
A property manager discovers a tenant has been subletting rooms without permission for 6 months, generating significant income. The head tenant is otherwise compliant and rent is current. What factors would most influence the Tenancy Tribunal's decision on termination?
Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, what is the most a landlord can charge as a general bond (not counting any separate pet bond)?
- → Which of the following is NOT a mandatory requirement for tenancy agreements under the Residential Tenancies Act?
- → How much notice must a landlord give a tenant before conducting a routine property inspection?
- → A tenant has given 21 days' notice to terminate a periodic tenancy but wants to leave 5 days early. What must happen for this to be legally acceptable?
- → A tenant claims bond refund for $1,200 but the landlord disputes $400 for carpet cleaning. The tenant disagrees and applies to the Tenancy Tribunal. What happens to the bond during this dispute?
- → How often may a landlord carry out routine inspections during a tenancy?
- → A landlord wants to increase rent for a periodic tenancy. What is the minimum notice period they must give?
- → During a property inspection, a property manager discovers the tenant has installed a spa pool without permission. What is the most appropriate first step?
- → By what date did all private rental properties in New Zealand have to comply with the healthy homes standards?
- → A property manager conducts an inspection and finds the tenant has installed a heat pump without permission. The tenancy agreement prohibits alterations without consent. What can the landlord legally require?
- → During a property inspection, a landlord notices the tenant has changed the locks. Under what circumstances is this legally permitted?
People Also Study
Property Law & Legislation
56 questions
Agency Practice
89 questions
Sale & Purchase Process
63 questions
Professional Conduct & Ethics
46 questions
Related Study Resources
Previous Question
A detailed test at a rental in May 2026 finds methamphetamine at 18 µg/100 cm² in one bedroom and below 5 everywhere else. What do the 2026 regulations require?
Next Question
A landlord and tenant agree terms by phone and the tenant moves in before any paperwork is done. What has the landlord failed to do?