If you’ve found asbestos in a rental property, you may be wondering what it means for you as a landlord. Can you still let the property? Does the asbestos need to be removed? And what do you need to do to keep tenants safe?

Finding asbestos does not automatically mean a property is unsafe or unsuitable for tenants. In many cases, asbestos can be safely managed if it is in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed.

Here, Goodbye Asbestos explains what landlords across London, the Home Counties and the South East need to know about renting out a property with asbestos, and when it may be time to take action.

Is it legal to rent out a property with asbestos?

Yes. Having asbestos in a property does not, in itself, mean that it cannot be rented out. Asbestos was widely used in UK homes and buildings for decades before it was finally banned in 1999. As a result, it can still be found in many properties and outbuildings such as garages and sheds.

The important thing to remember is that asbestos is not necessarily dangerous if it is in good condition and left undisturbed. The risk arises when asbestos-containing materials are damaged, deteriorating or disturbed, potentially releasing harmful fibres into the air.

For example, asbestos may be found in:

• Artex and other textured coatings
• Floor tiles
• Pipe lagging
• Insulation boards
• Garage and shed roofs
• Cement panels
• Soffits and gutters

If the material is in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, removal may not always be necessary. However, it is important to know what you are dealing with before deciding on the best course of action.

Should landlords arrange an asbestos survey?

If you suspect asbestos is present, an asbestos survey can give you a much clearer picture, identifying asbestos-containing materials, assessing their condition and highlighting any areas that may require management, repair or removal. This can be particularly useful before letting a property, carrying out refurbishment work or arranging repairs.

You should never assume that a material is safe simply because it looks intact. Likewise, materials that may contain asbestos should not be drilled, sanded, broken or removed without proper precautions.

Goodbye Asbestos provides professional asbestos surveys and removal services, helping property owners understand what is present and what action, if any, is needed.

What if the asbestos is damaged?

Damaged or deteriorating asbestos is more likely to pose a risk, particularly if fibres could be released into the property. In this situation, it is important not to attempt to repair or remove the material yourself. Depending on the type, condition and location of the asbestos, professional removal or remedial work may be recommended.

This is especially important in rental properties, where tenants may unknowingly disturb asbestos-containing materials while putting up shelves, carrying out minor DIY or making repairs.

If there is any doubt about the condition of suspected asbestos, it is always sensible to seek professional advice.

Do tenants need to be told about asbestos?

Landlords have a responsibility to provide a safe home for their tenants. If asbestos is known to be present, it is important to manage it properly and make sure it is not put at risk of being disturbed.

Providing relevant information can also help prevent accidental damage. For example, if asbestos-containing materials are present in a particular wall, ceiling or other part of the property, tenants should know not to carry out DIY work that could disturb it.

Keeping clear records of surveys, inspections and any asbestos removal work can also be useful, particularly if repairs or refurbishment are carried out in the future.

Thinking of renovating before letting the property?

Renovation work can create a significant asbestos risk if older materials are disturbed.

If you’re planning to remove walls, replace ceilings, strip out flooring or carry out other work in an older property, it’s important to establish whether asbestos could be present before work begins. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release harmful fibres, potentially putting contractors and anyone else in the property at risk.

If you suspect asbestos may be present, get professional advice before starting work. Depending on the circumstances, the material may need to be sampled, safely removed or otherwise managed before renovation can go ahead.

Taking the time to deal with potential asbestos before work starts can help prevent unnecessary risks, delays and additional costs further down the line.

Professional asbestos advice for landlords

If you’re planning to let a property in London, the Home Counties or the South East and are concerned about asbestos, Goodbye Asbestos can help.

We provide asbestos sampling, surveys and removal for homeowners, landlords and property managers. Whether you’ve found damaged asbestos, are planning renovation work or simply want to identify a suspected material, our experienced team can advise on the next steps.

Get in touch with Goodbye Asbestos today for professional asbestos advice. Call 01483 980080.