Asbestos is the collective name for a group of fibrous minerals which are mechanically strong and resistant to heat, moisture and chemicals.

As a responsible landlord we appreciate that people who think they may have asbestos in their homes may be worried about the possible dangers.

It is not unusual to find asbestos in houses and flats as it was used extensively in the building industry until the mid-1980s, usually for fire-proofing or heat and moisture resistance.

Properties built after 1990 are extremely unlikely to contain asbestos as the material was completely banned from 1993.

Asbestos cement has been widely used as a cladding material and can still be found in garages and sheds as well as panels and roof sheets.

Decorative coatings – some artex and decorative coatings have been found to contain very small levels of asbestos fibre.

It is not always easy to tell whether a product contains asbestos as modern materials often look similar – remember it is usually older products that contain asbestos.

The only sure way to identify asbestos containing materials is by laboratory analysis.

Historically, it is people who have worked extensively with asbestos products, their families or people who lived near the factories which produced these products who have a significant risk of developing health problems.

Asbestos does not pose a risk to health where it is in good condition, undamaged and is managed properly.

You may like to think of it in the same way as electricity; it is a constant presence which is completely safe unless tampered with.

If asbestos-containing materials become damaged, there is a potential for asbestos fibres to be released.

We therefore have a responsibility to emphasise that as part of your agreement you must obtain permission before carrying out any building work such as modernisation or DIY.

We are able to advise you on any specific risks involved, and the suitable precautions to be taken.

If your home was constructed using traditional methods, i.e. brick/plaster, the risk of exposure while decorating will be negligible. In some properties, materials containing asbestos may have been used as pipe boxing, particularly in bathrooms or as inspection panels. Also some decorative coatings such as Artex sometimes used to contain small amounts of asbestos. If you discover a previously painted surface which is not wood, metal or brick, it should not be rubbed down but wetted and cleaned, prior to painting.

DIY projects require greater caution than decorating because they are more likely involve activities such as drilling or sanding down. These activities have the potential to release asbestos fibres.

You are advised not to undertake any work on material that you suspect to contain asbestos, or attempt to remove asbestos materials yourself.

Remember

Asbestos does not pose a risk to health where it is in good condition, undamaged and is managed properly.