A landlord whose rental tested above the maximum acceptable level wants the same company that did the detailed test to do the decontamination. What do the 2026 regulations say?
Correct Answer
A) The decontaminator must be independent of whoever does the testing.
Regulation 11 lets a landlord carry out the decontamination works personally or engage someone else, but anyone engaged must be independent of the person who does the prescribed testing or the post-decontamination testing, and of anyone paid to do a screening assessment. Decontamination is complete only when post-decontamination testing shows the premises are no longer contaminated (reg 13).
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Regulation 11(2) requires decontamination workers to be independent of the testers.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: The landlord must use the same company so the results are consistent.
Regulation 11(2) requires independence between testing and decontamination.
Option C: Only an accredited decontamination contractor may do any part of the work.
Regulation 11(1) lets the landlord do the works personally or engage anyone independent.
Option D: Decontamination must be done by the local council's environmental health team.
Councils are not required to decontaminate; the landlord is responsible.
Background Knowledge for Property Management
Source: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2026/24/en/latest/
Exam Tip for Property Management
Tester and cleaner must be different, independent people.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on Property Management Questions
- •Thinking an accredited contractor is compulsory, or that one firm can test and clean.
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?
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