Asbestos In Rented Property: What Should Landlords Do?

Asbestos is often associated with older buildings, as it was more commonly used in construction before the mid-1980s. After it was banned in 1999, it became illegal to build with asbestos in the UK. However, homes or buildings constructed before this time could still contain asbestos in ceilings, walls, and floors. However, it’s well known as a material that can cause serious health issues.

Unless it’s a portfolio comprised of new builds, most landlords are likely to own buildings that were built before the ban. This means you may be exposing your tenants to unknown risks and opening your business up to litigation.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral that is naturally occurring in soils and rocks and forms in flexible crystals.

Asbestos was prevalent as it was inexpensive, easy to procure, reduced sound travel and insulated well. It was also used for fireproofing as it demonstrates resistance to catching fire and combusting.

However, it was unknown at the time that asbestos can cause extreme illness. Breathing in its fibres over time results in serious lung damage. As asbestosis develops over time, it is often too late by the time it’s detected. Asbestos exposure is also linked to certain aggressive cancers, meaning it has potentially fatal effects.

Where can asbestos be found?

As asbestos can be found in all manner of residential and commercial buildings built before 2000, it is potentially widespread. According to a survey, 72% of tradespeople reported having faced asbestos in the course of their jobs.

Amongst other areas, it may be found in:

• Heating and piping
• Flooring
• Roofing
• Window trim
• Insulation
• Paint
• Ceiling coatings
• Electrical equipment
• Soundproofing

Why should landlords care about asbestos?

Asbestos is only a risk if it has been agitated and the material fibres have had a chance to release into the air. These aren’t visible to the naked eye, however, so every care should be taken if you’re unsure.

You’ll likely have to conduct maintenance on your buildings now and again. This means, if there is any asbestos in your properties, you could be putting professionals working on the premises at risk as well as the occupants.

If you’re aware of the asbestos and harm comes to those in proximity or there is the potential for harm in the future, you may incur hefty fines or prosecution.

What should landlords do about asbestos?

To cover ramifications related to this, you must have comprehensive landlord insurance to protect your asset and income.

If possible, identify and eradicate asbestos from the property. You should employ a professional asbestos survey provider and removal company: under no circumstances should you attempt to remove asbestos yourself.

If you aren’t sure whether there is asbestos in the building, you should have strict rules against tenants drilling into anything and make sure this is contained in your written contract and relayed verbally to your clients.