As a landlord, ensuring the safety and well-being of your tenants should always be a top priority. One significant health hazard to be aware of is asbestos, a mineral fiber that was commonly used in building materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. Unfortunately, asbestos exposure can lead to severe health conditions, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Here are several practical steps you can take to minimize the risks associated with asbestos in your rental properties.

Identifying Asbestos in Your Property

First, it's crucial to identify whether your property contains asbestos. In our experience, properties built before the 1980s are more likely to contain asbestos in materials such as insulation, flooring, and roofing. Hiring a certified asbestos inspector to perform a thorough examination of the property can help determine the presence of asbestos. Should the inspector find asbestos, they will provide you with a detailed report outlining the affected areas and recommend appropriate actions for its removal or management.

Managing Asbestos Safely

Once you have identified asbestos in your property, it's important to manage it properly to prevent exposure. Typically, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that are in good condition and not disturbed are considered safe. Proper maintenance of these materials is essential to avoid their deterioration and potential release of asbestos fibers into the air. According to The Mesothelioma Center, 90% of mesothelioma cases were caused by asbestos exposure, highlighting the critical importance of properly managing any identified ACMs.

Hiring an Asbestos Abatement Contractor

In cases where asbestos removal is necessary, always hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. Attempting to remove asbestos yourself can be extremely dangerous and is illegal in many jurisdictions. Professional asbestos abatement contractors not only ensure the safe removal and disposal of asbestos but also minimize the risk of contamination in other areas of the property. After removal, consider having the property re-inspected to confirm that all asbestos has been effectively eliminated.

Tenant safety should always be a landlord's foremost concern, particularly when it involves hazardous materials like asbestos. By identifying the presence of asbestos through professional inspection, properly managing any ACMs, and employing a certified asbestos abatement contractor for necessary removals, you can significantly reduce the risk of asbestos exposure for your tenants. Taking these proactive measures can help provide a safe living environment and bring peace of mind to both you and your tenants. If you suspect asbestos in your property, call the experts at Astech.