Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many building materials. All homes built before 2000 could contain asbestos.
Asbestos will only present a risk if it’s classified as a high-risk material, is damaged or has deteriorated. Asbestos in good condition is not a hazard.
What we do
If you live in a home built before 2000, we will:
- Ensure you are provided with information on where asbestos is located when you move in, so you can be aware of its presence and report to us any deterioration in its condition.
- Check on this as part of your annual gas inspection or your five-yearly stock condition survey.
- Any asbestos identified as damaged, in poor condition or high risk will be removed. Any low-risk material is perfectly safe to remain in a property if managed correctly. These materials include floor tiles, textured coating (e.g. artex) and asbestos cement sheets.
We also have a duty to carry out Management Asbestos Surveys in all communal spaces, if Asbestos is present, we will check that annually to ensure it has not fallen into poor condition.
What you should do
- Contact us immediately if materials you believe may contain asbestos have been damaged or disturbed.
- Avoid cutting, drilling, sanding, or using abrasive tools on any items you believe may contain asbestos.
- If you plan on doing any home improvement work, please refer to our guidance. Ensure you contact us for more information if you are unsure.
Frequently asked questions
If you have any questions or concerns about asbestos in your home which are not dealt with here, you can contact us on 0800 1691122.