Residential

Landlords Providing Domestic Accommodation

Landlords who provide domestic accommodation for others also have duties under the new regulations. Although the building may be thought of as residential, for the purpose of Regulation 4 CAWR 2002 certain areas are classified as non-domestic. As such, landlords are required by law to identify any suspect Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM’s) in ‘common areas’ e.g. stairwells, hallways, bathrooms, lift shafts, lobbies, roof space, garage space, storage areas etc.

 

Private Home Owners

Although the regulations do not currently apply to private home owners it could well effect the value of the property.
House purchasers are increasingly becoming aware of the risks from asbestos. Health issues are paramount, but property values are also of great concern. Requests for specialist asbestos surveys and reports are often received from mortgage lenders and residential surveyors where asbestos presence is suspected. Although the new regulations do not cover private residential property, any home owner who inadvertently exposes a maintenance worker to asbestos whilst working on his premises will risk prosecution.

 

ACM’s In Residential Buildings

Asbestos Insulating Boards (AIB’s) behind boilers, radiators, in airing cupboards.
Vinyl or Thermoplastic Floor Tiles
Soffit/Facia Boards
Boiler Flues and Seals
Textured Paints such as Artex and Pebblecoat
Toilet Cistern and Pan
Roof Tiles, Guttering etc.
Fire Doors

 

Hotels, Guest houses and B&B’s

All these premises are classified as non-domestic in this case and come under Regulation 4 CAWR 2002.

All guest rooms and ‘common areas’ must be investigated for ACM’s. The only exception being private rooms occupied solely by the owner/manager.

 

Above are just a few examples of possible uses and locations of ACM’s on the premises.
If you require further investigating or a specialist Asbestos Survey feel free to contact us.