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What is Asbestos in rented homes?
Last verified 31 October 2026
Asbestos in rented homes is asbestos containing material in the fabric of a let property, most often in buildings built or refurbished before 2000. HSE's guidance says the duty to manage asbestos covers commercial premises and the shared parts of some domestic premises.
Why it matters to landlords
That means a landlord of a block with common areas may need to manage asbestos in the shared parts. HSE says it is often best to leave asbestos in good condition in place and check its condition from time to time. Common locations include cement products, pipe lagging, asbestos insulating board, textured coatings such as Artex, floor tiles and water tanks.
Leave suspect material undisturbed. Only attempt repairs or sealing with the necessary training. Badly damaged material that cannot be protected should be removed by a licensed contractor, and sprayed coatings, lagging and insulating board need licensed removal. Tell builders and maintenance workers about any asbestos before they start, and dispose of it as hazardous waste. The HSE page does not set out specific duties for private landlords of single rented homes, so ask your local environmental health officer if you are unsure.
Example
Mehmet buys a 1970s ground-floor flat in Walsall and finds textured ceiling coating in the hall. The coating is intact, so he has a sample tested before any work. When a plasterer is booked for 12 April 2027, he gives them the result in writing before they start.
Landlord Compliance Checklist 2026 (UK) →
Related terms
- Building regulations
- Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
- Fitness for human habitation
- Fire risk assessment
- HMO management regulations