Found Asbestos in your Rental Property? What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know

As a tenant, it’s natural to want your rental property to be a safe place to live. While many tenants worry about living with asbestos, if the asbestos-containing materials are in good condition, there’s usually minimal risk to your health. However, problems can occur when contaminated materials are damaged, disturbed or deteriorating, which can release asbestos fibres into the air.

While landlords are responsible for ensuring their property is in good repair, asbestos-containing materials must be handled and removed by licensed professionals.

Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord, here’s what you need to know about asbestos in rental properties.

What is asbestos and why is it dangerous?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once commonly added to various building materials to enhance their durability, fire resistance and insulation properties. Many properties built before the mid-1990s were constructed using asbestos-containing materials, from ceiling and wall sheeting to tiles, roofs and fencing.

While undamaged asbestos is generally safe, damaged and disturbed materials can release microscopic asbestos fibres into the air, putting you at higher risk of exposure. Prolonged asbestos exposure is a serious health risk and can lead to a range of irreversible respiratory conditions, including lung disease, asbestosis and mesothelioma, a form of aggressive cancer.

Who is responsible for asbestos in rental properties?

As a tenant, you’re entitled to live in a safe and healthy home. You’re also well within your rights to ask whether the property contains asbestos before signing a rental agreement. In Queensland, landlords or property managers must keep the property well-maintained and free from health hazards such as asbestos. If asbestos-containing materials are present, they must be kept in good condition and properly managed to reduce the risk of potential exposure.

What should tenants do if they suspect asbestos?

If you suspect your rental property could contain damaged asbestos, avoid disturbing the materials and notify your property manager or landlord immediately in writing. While the specific laws differ by state, it’s your landlord’s responsibility to engage a licensed asbestos removal specialist to assess and remove the contaminated materials. In some cases, you may be able to ask for a rent reduction while repairs are underway. If your landlord doesn’t address the issue, you could also have the right to end your lease.

It’s worth noting that asbestos-containing materials look almost identical to non-asbestos-containing materials, making it almost impossible to accurately identify asbestos by eye. The only way to determine the presence of asbestos fibres is through testing at an accredited laboratory. Don’t be tempted to inspect or remove asbestos yourself. Not only is it illegal, but it could pose a serious health risk.

How is asbestos removed safely from rental properties?

There are specific laws designed to ensure the safe management and removal of asbestos. Safe Work Australia’s Code of Practice allows unlicensed individuals to remove up to 10 m² of non-friable (bonded) asbestos. That said, even small amounts of crumbly asbestos can still pose a serious hazard and should be treated with extreme caution.

In most cases, asbestos removal must be completed by a licensed professional in line with safety standards and industry best practice. At Adios Asbestos, we follow a tried and tested removal process that entails:

• Site assessment and testing: Most asbestos removal projects start with a comprehensive site assessment to identify all potential areas affected by asbestos-containing materials. Our specialists will safely collect samples of the suspected materials for testing at an accredited laboratory.
• Containment, removal and disposal: Once the affected areas have been identified, they’ll be contained to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres. Using a combination of certified methods and advanced equipment, our team carefully removes contaminated materials. These materials are then wrapped and labelled before being disposed of at an approved waste management facility in line with local council requirements.
• Clean up and certification: Once the removal process is completed, our team will carry out a thorough clean and decontamination of the site to make sure no asbestos fibres are left behind. After the site has been cleared, we’ll issue a final certificate confirming your property is asbestos-free.

Depending on the size and complexity of the job, asbestos removal can take anywhere from 1-3 days. That said, our team will provide you with a more detailed timeline once we’ve completed our initial site assessment. The cost of the job depends on several factors, including the size of your property, the extent of asbestos contamination, and the complexity of the job. But remember, this cost will be passed onto the landlord.

FAQs

Can I refuse to rent a property with asbestos?

Yes, if asbestos poses an immediate health risk and the landlord fails to address it, you may be able to terminate your lease agreement if the property is deemed unsafe to live in. Just be sure to check your state’s tenancy laws.

Do landlords have to disclose asbestos in rental properties?

While specific obligations vary by state and territory, landlords are generally required to disclose the presence of asbestos before you sign the lease, especially if you ask them outright.

Is it safe to live in a rental with asbestos?

If the asbestos is undisturbed, sealed and properly managed, then it’s completely safe to be around.

How can I tell if my rented premises has asbestos?

It’s impossible to tell whether your rental property contains asbestos visually. The only way to accurately confirm the presence of asbestos is by engaging a licensed asbestos professional to test the materials.

What happens if asbestos is disturbed accidentally?

If you suspect you’ve been exposed to asbestos, stop all work, leave the area and contact the landlord or property manager immediately. They’ll need to call in a licensed asbestos specialist to remove the contaminated materials and clean up the site.

Staying safe as residential tenants

While managing asbestos is your landlord’s responsibility, as a tenant, it’s essential to notify your real estate agent or landlord as soon as you notice any suspected asbestos-containing materials.

Servicing the Sunshine Coast through to Brisbane, Adios Asbestos are the experts in safe asbestos management and removal. Get in touch with the team to arrange an inspection and receive tailored asbestos removal advice.