01279 213 600
01279 213 600
Managing residential or commercial property involves a wide range of legal responsibilities, and ensuring buildings are safe for occupants is one of the most important. If a property was built before 2000, asbestos may still be present in a variety of building materials. For landlords and letting agents, understanding when an asbestos survey is required can help protect tenants, contractors and maintenance staff while reducing the risk of costly delays and legal issues.
Asbestos was widely used in UK construction because of its strength, insulating properties and resistance to heat. It can still be found in many older properties, including in:
The presence of asbestos does not necessarily mean there is an immediate danger. Materials that remain in good condition and are left undisturbed may present little risk. Problems arise when asbestos-containing materials are damaged during maintenance, repairs or refurbishment, allowing fibres to become airborne.
The answer depends on the type of property and the areas involved. For commercial properties and the communal areas of residential buildings, such as apartment blocks, landlords and managing agents have legal duties under the Control of Asbestos Regulations. They must take reasonable steps to determine whether asbestos is present and manage any associated risks. An asbestos management survey is the usual way of identifying asbestos-containing materials and providing the information needed to manage them safely.
Within individual privately rented homes, the legal position is different. There is generally no specific legal requirement for a landlord to commission an asbestos survey simply because the property is being let. However, landlords still have a general duty to provide accommodation that is safe for tenants. If asbestos is suspected, arranging a professional survey is often the most responsible course of action, particularly before maintenance or renovation work is carried out.
Letting agents are often the first point of contact when maintenance work is arranged. Understanding the potential presence of asbestos can help prevent contractors from unknowingly disturbing hazardous materials. When organising repairs, agents should consider:
Having accurate survey information available can reduce delays and help maintenance work proceed safely.
Routine decorating may not require an asbestos survey, but more extensive work often does. If refurbishment involves drilling, removing walls, replacing ceilings, rewiring or other structural alterations, a refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey is normally required before work begins.
These surveys identify asbestos in the areas affected by the project, allowing any necessary removal or management work to be completed before contractors start.
Without a survey, asbestos may only be discovered after work has begun, resulting in immediate site closures, additional costs and significant project delays.
A professional asbestos survey provides much more than regulatory compliance. It also offers practical benefits for landlords and property managers.
These include:
Survey reports also identify the condition of asbestos-containing materials, helping landlords decide whether materials should simply be monitored or whether remedial work is recommended.
For landlords with multiple properties, maintaining accurate asbestos records can make future maintenance significantly easier. Keeping survey reports available allows contractors to work safely and helps ensure information is readily available whenever repairs or alterations are planned.
Updating these records following refurbishment or asbestos removal also provides a clear history of the property’s condition.
Whether you manage a single rental property or a large portfolio, professional asbestos surveys provide valuable information that supports safe property management. They identify potential risks before maintenance or refurbishment begins, helping to protect everyone involved while reducing the likelihood of unexpected disruption. We explain our approach to surveys here.
