Does A Landlord Have To Provide An Asbestos Survey In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a hazardous material that was widely used in construction in the UK until the 1990s. Since then, it has been banned due to its carcinogenic properties. However, it still exists in many buildings and homes across the country, including those in Hampshire.

If you are a landlord in Hampshire, it is your duty to manage any asbestos in your property in accordance with the regulations set out by the UK government. But does this mean you have to provide an asbestos survey? In this article, we will explore the regulations surrounding asbestos in Hampshire and the responsibilities of landlords.

Asbestos in Hampshire

Hampshire is a county located in the South East of England, bordered by Sussex, Surrey, and Wiltshire. It is home to many historic buildings, as well as a growing population of renters and homeowners.

Like many areas in the UK, Hampshire has a significant number of properties that contain asbestos. This is because asbestos was commonly used in the construction of buildings until the 1990s. It was used for insulation, fireproofing, and soundproofing, among other things. Asbestos can also be found in electrical equipment, such as fuse boxes and boilers.

Asbestos poses a significant health risk to those who come into contact with it. When asbestos fibres are disturbed, they can become airborne and be inhaled into the lungs. Over time, this can cause serious health problems, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

The Responsibilities of Landlords

If you are a landlord in Hampshire, you have a legal duty to manage any asbestos in your property. This is set out in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which apply to all non-domestic premises, including rental properties.

The duty to manage asbestos requires landlords to:

• Identify whether asbestos is present in their property
• Assess the risk posed by the asbestos
• Develop a plan for managing the asbestos
• Implement the plan and keep it up to date
• Provide information about the presence of asbestos to anyone who may be affected by it

Asbestos Survey in Hampshire

So, does a landlord have to provide an asbestos survey in Hampshire? The answer is not straightforward. The Control of Asbestos Regulations do not specifically require landlords to carry out an asbestos survey before renting out a property. However, they do require landlords to identify whether asbestos is present in their property and assess the risk posed by it.

There are two ways landlords can identify whether asbestos is present in their property:

1. Asbestos Survey
2. Visual inspection and risk assessment.

An asbestos survey is a detailed examination of a property to identify whether asbestos is present and assess the risk posed by it. A qualified asbestos surveyor will take samples of any suspected asbestos-containing materials and have them analysed in a laboratory. They will also assess the condition of any asbestos in the property and make recommendations for managing or removing it.

A visual inspection and risk assessment, on the other hand, involves a visual examination of the property to look for any signs of asbestos. A landlord or their agent can carry out this assessment themselves, but they must have the necessary knowledge and experience to do so effectively. This assessment is less detailed than an asbestos survey and may not identify all the asbestos present in a property.

The Housing Act 2004

Another piece of legislation that landlords in Hampshire should be aware of is the Housing Act 2004. This act requires landlords to ensure that their rental properties are safe and free from hazards. Asbestos is considered a hazard under this act, and landlords must take steps to manage any asbestos in their property to ensure it is safe for their tenants to live in.

Failure to comply with the Housing Act can result in fines and legal action. Therefore, it is vital that landlords familiarise themselves with this legislation and take the necessary steps to comply.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Control of Asbestos Regulations do not specifically require landlords to carry out an asbestos survey in Hampshire, they do require them to identify whether asbestos is present and manage any asbestos in their property. This can be done through an asbestos survey or a visual inspection and risk assessment.

Furthermore, the Housing Act 2004 requires landlords to ensure that their rental properties are safe and free from hazards, including asbestos. Landlords must take the necessary steps to manage any asbestos in their property to comply with this legislation and ensure the safety of their tenants.

If you are a landlord in Hampshire and need assistance with managing asbestos in your property, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire on 01962 458066 or email [email protected]. We are a professional asbestos survey company in Hampshire, providing affordable asbestos removal services to landlords and homeowners in the area. Visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk for more information.