A recent ruling from the Tenancy Tribunal has awarded a couple nearly $20,000 after their one-year-old son was exposed to lead paint hazards in an aging rental property in Napier. This is a significant issue that highlights the potential dangers of lead exposure, particularly for young children.
The family's ordeal began when they moved into the rented house in October 2024. By February 2025, concerned about their son's health, they sought medical advice after a Plunket nurse recommended further examination. Blood tests revealed alarming results, including dangerously low iron levels, a deficiency in vitamin D, and concerning levels of lead.
An environmental health officer and a doctor inspected the rental property and conducted tests that confirmed the presence of lead in the home’s old yellow and red exterior paints, as well as on many painted surfaces inside and even in the surrounding soil. A detailed report prepared by Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora indicated that the boy's health issues were most likely due to lead exposure from the property's deteriorating paint. The report also emphasized that due to the child’s age and low iron levels, he was at an elevated risk for health complications.
What’s particularly alarming is that while the boy currently shows no immediate health effects from the lead exposure, experts agree there is no safe level of lead in the body. Long-term exposure can lead to severe consequences, including developmental and cognitive delays.
After receiving the health report, the property management company, Pukeko Rental Managers, allowed the family to vacate the premises without notice. However, despite being offered another property, the family found themselves unable to afford it and struggled to secure alternative housing in a timely manner. In July 2025, nine months after moving into the contaminated home, they finally moved out. During this challenging period, the mother also gave birth to another child.
The Tenancy Tribunal adjudicator, Bryan King, noted the emotional distress the family experienced due to their fears regarding their son's health and development. He stated that the couple had to urgently seek safe accommodation under difficult circumstances.
In total, the Tribunal awarded the family $15,000 for general damages, citing the health risks posed by their rental situation, along with $4,200 for infringing upon their right to enjoy their home peacefully, $500 for moving expenses, and a reimbursement of their $27 filing fee, culminating in a total compensation of $19,727.
The property in question, located on Marine Parade in Napier, dates back to around 1900 and had a council value of $1.13 million as of 2023. The current owner is believed to be a trust, and the property had changed hands only once since its last sale in 1989 for $95,000.
Duncan Reed, representing Pukeko Rental Managers, stated that the company ensured the house met Healthy Homes standards regarding heating, insulation, and other key factors before the family moved in. He acknowledged that while the house was old and may not have been compliant prior to his management, efforts were made to bring it up to standard. Reed mentioned that routine testing for lead contamination is not common practice among property managers, and he did not suspect any lead issues before this incident.
After discovering the lead contamination, Reed promptly informed the tenants that they could leave the property without facing any lease-related consequences. He also indicated that his company no longer manages the property and that the insurance would cover the damages awarded to the family.
According to guidelines from WorkSafe, landlords are responsible for protecting tenants from exposure to lead contamination from paint and other fixtures within the property. These regulations stress that landlords should assume paint from buildings constructed before 1980 contains lead unless proven otherwise through testing or documentation. The situation raises important questions about tenant safety and the responsibilities of landlords, sparking conversations about how such risks can be effectively mitigated in the future.
