Will Council Remove Any Asbestos In My Rented Home In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a term that is synonymous with health risks, specifically lung-related problems, including cancer. It is a mineral that was commonly used in building construction in the early to mid-1900s. The risk of exposure to asbestos is high in older buildings, which means that many people, including landlords and tenants, are concerned about its presence in their homes.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire are an asbestos removal company in Hampshire. We are here to help you understand the risks of asbestos and your responsibility as a landlord, tenant or property owner.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was commonly used in building materials such as insulation, roof tiles, cement and floor tiles. It was used due to its insulating properties, durability, and resistance to fire and chemicals. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were used extensively in construction, especially during the 1960s and 1970s.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they can release tiny fibres into the air. If these fibres are breathed in, they can become lodged in the lungs and cause a range of health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Who is at risk?

Everyone who comes into contact with asbestos-containing materials is potentially at risk. However, those who are most at risk are people who are exposed to large amounts of asbestos over a long period, such as workers in industries that use asbestos.

Landlords and tenants of older buildings are also at risk, as they may be exposed to asbestos dust during construction or renovation work. Tenants may also be at risk if they come into contact with damaged asbestos-containing materials, such as ceiling or floor tiles.

What is the duty of landlords and tenants?

Landlords have a duty to ensure that their properties are safe for habitation by ensuring that the property is free of any harmful materials, including asbestos. Tenants have a duty to report any concerns to their landlord and allow access for inspections.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 sets out the duties of landlords and managing agents in relation to asbestos in domestic premises. This includes the requirement to identify and assess the risk of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the property and to have a plan in place to manage any identified risks.

Can the council remove asbestos from my rented property?

If you live in a council-owned property, you can contact your councils housing department to ask if there is any asbestos-containing material present. If they identify ACMs, they will have a duty to manage and remove any hazardous material in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

However, if you live in a privately rented home, the landlord has the responsibility to identify, assess, manage and remove any asbestos-containing material from the property. You should contact your landlord immediately if you have any concerns about the presence of asbestos in your rented property.

What should you do if you find asbestos-containing materials?

If you find asbestos-containing materials in your property, do not touch or disturb them. If the material is in good condition and not damaged, it is usually safe to leave it in place and manage it appropriately. However, if the material is damaged, it is important to take action immediately to avoid exposure to asbestos dust.

If you are a tenant, you should inform your landlord or managing agent immediately. They will be responsible for arranging an asbestos survey and managing any identified risks. If you are a landlord, you should contact a licensed asbestos removal company to arrange for the safe removal of the asbestos-containing material.

How do Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire manage asbestos?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire are an asbestos removal company in Hampshire. We are licensed by the Health and Safety Executive to carry out asbestos removal work in accordance with current regulations.

Our team of experts specialises in the safe removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. We use specialist equipment and PPE to ensure that our work is carried out safely and efficiently, minimising the risk of exposure to asbestos dust.

We also provide asbestos surveys and management plans for landlords, managing agents and property owners. Our surveys identify any asbestos-containing materials in the property and provide recommendations on how to manage identified risks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are a landlord or tenant of an older property in Hampshire, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with asbestos-containing materials. Landlords have a duty to ensure that their properties are free from any hazardous materials, including asbestos. Tenants should report any concerns to their landlord immediately.

If you are concerned about the presence of asbestos-containing materials in your property, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire. We will carry out a survey to identify any risks and provide advice on how to manage any identified asbestos-containing materials.

Contact us on 01962 458066 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk to find out more about managing asbestos risks in Hampshire and the South East of England.