A shocking case of lead exposure has recently come to light, highlighting the dangers that can lurk within our rental properties. A young family's struggle with lead contamination has resulted in a significant award from the Tenancy Tribunal, but the story goes beyond the financial compensation.
A Family's Nightmare: Lead Poisoning in an Old Rental
Imagine a young couple, excited to start their family, moving into a charming old house in Napier. Little did they know, this house would become a source of fear and anxiety. Their 1-year-old son, full of life and curiosity, was unknowingly exposed to a silent threat - lead paint.
But here's where it gets controversial... The boy's health took a turn for the worse, and months after leaving the property, his body was still battling to eliminate lead, arsenic, and cadmium. His parents, concerned and confused, sought medical help, only to discover the devastating truth.
A doctor's visit and blood tests revealed dangerously low iron levels and vitamin D deficiency. The Tenancy Tribunal's decision highlighted the presence of "worrying levels" of lead, a toxic element with no safe exposure level.
The Hidden Dangers of Old Paint
A doctor and an environmental health officer stepped in, uncovering the source of the problem. Lead was found not only in the old yellow and red external paint but also on most painted surfaces inside the house and even in the soil outside. Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora's report confirmed the link between the boy's exposure and the paint in the house.
"His age and low iron have put him at increased risk," the report stated. A chilling reminder of the vulnerability of our youngest members.
The Struggle to Find Safe Haven
The property manager, Pukeko Rental Managers, offered the family an alternative property, but it was unaffordable. The family found themselves in a difficult situation, unable to secure another house quickly. They eventually moved out in July 2025, nine months after their initial move and two months after receiving the Health NZ report.
During this stressful period, the boy's mother welcomed a second baby, adding to the family's worries.
"The evidence shows the anguish [the tenants] have suffered," said Tenancy Tribunal adjudicator Bryan King. "They had to find safe accommodation urgently, facing difficult circumstances."
The Tribunal's Decision: A Win for the Tenants
The Tenancy Tribunal awarded the tenants a substantial sum of $15,000 in general damages, recognizing the health risks and actual harm caused to their young son. Additionally, they received $4200 for the breach of their "quiet enjoyment" of the property, $500 for moving costs, and a refund of their tribunal filing fee, totaling $19,727.
The house, located on Napier's Marine Parade and built around 1900, was last sold for $95,000 in 1989. With a 2023 council rating valuation of $1.13m, it's a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with older properties.
Duncan Reed, representing Pukeko Rental Managers, assured that the house met the Healthy Homes standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, and more before the tenants moved in. However, he admitted that testing for lead contamination is not standard practice, and he had no reason to suspect an issue with lead at the property.
Once informed about the lead, Reed offered the tenants the option to leave without consequences, and his company no longer manages the property.
A Call for Awareness and Action
This case raises important questions. Should property managers routinely test for lead contamination? Are the current guidelines enough to protect tenants from such hidden dangers? And what about the long-term effects of lead exposure on the boy's health and development?
The health and safety regulator, WorkSafe, has issued guidelines stating that landlords must protect occupants from lead contamination arising from paintwork. However, the guidelines also acknowledge the assumption that paint on pre-1980 buildings is lead-based unless proven otherwise.
So, is this enough? Should we be doing more to ensure the safety of our rental properties, especially for vulnerable families with young children?
This story is a stark reminder of the importance of awareness and action. It's a call to protect our loved ones and ensure that our homes are truly safe havens.
