How to Handle Asbestos in Rental Properties
Did you know houses built before 1990 are likely to contain asbestos?
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) has released a guide for Landlords and Property Managers on how to handle asbestos found in rental properties.
Around 3,000 asbestos containing materials, including corrugated asbestos cement roof sheeting and flat cement wall and ceiling sheeting, were used to build and renovate homes and roofs from the 1940’s until the end of the 1980’s.
Asbestos containing products or materials that are in good condition are not a risk, but they can be dangerous when disturbed, broken, sanded, cut or blasted with high pressure water. When disturbed, the materials can release asbestos fibres into the air presenting risks to health—and the fibres may not be visible.
The effects of exposure to asbestos can be serious and so removing and disposing of anything other than small amounts of asbestos materials must be done by licensed professionals.
A person conducting a business or undertaking the preparation or arranging for the removal of asbestos is required to hold a Class A asbestos removal licence to remove any amount of friable (crumbles easily) asbestos; and a Class B asbestos removal licence for the removal of anything more than 10m2 of non-friable asbestos.
Homeowners and DIY renovators are not permitted to remove any amount of friable (crumbles easily) asbestos at all.
As Landlord/Property Manager, you should engage the services of a licensed professional to assess all materials before work gets underway.
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