Why Landlords Must Take Asbestos Safety Seriously in Rental Properties

Being a landlord carries several responsibilities, from renting the property to ensuring residents pay their rent on schedule. However, asbestos can damage landlords’ reputations and attractive properties. It is one problem that you can’t ignore! 

Older houses and buildings across New Zealand mostly contain Asbestos in their construction, which could become dangerous if not taken care of. Asbestos Safety is the key to ensuring the welfare of the space’s residents, meeting legal responsibilities, and protecting investments. 

Understanding Asbestos in Rental Properties

Asbestos is a silicate mineral often added to building materials to strengthen and resist fire. However, once it is disturbed or damaged, it starts releasing tiny fibres that are loose in the air, which often causes respiratory problems when inhaled. It is better to connect with experts for Asbestos removal in Auckland to keep your property safe and maintain its value.

Asbestos is often found in most rental houses built before the 1990s in New Zealand. It can hide in:

• Roofing and cladding
• Pipe insulation
• Ceiling and wall coverings (especially textured)
• Vinyl flooring and backing

While asbestos in good condition may pose little risk, hidden fibres could become dangerous when you start renovations or maintenance.

Health Risks 

The primary concern regarding Asbestos is its potential health risk to tenants. Breathing asbestos fibres can result in life-threatening diseases, such as:

• Lung cancer
• Mesothelioma (a sporadic cancer, which is almost always caused by exposure to Asbestos)
• Asbestosis: a long-term lung condition. Asbestosis is a condition in which the lung is compromised in breathing capabilities.

The illnesses occur in the context of several decades; when the diagnoses come, the impact can be devastating. Tenants have enormous health issues and emotional anguish, and landlords have not met their obligation to provide safe housing.

While providing a healthy living environment is only beneficial, it is part of your landlord’s obligations. No one wants to live in a property that might make them ill.

Legal Responsibilities of Landlords

Landlords in New Zealand have specific obligations regarding Asbestos. New Zealand follows obvious guidelines for asbestos management. The landlords should ensure that the rental properties are safe and suitable for the tenant, as determined in the Residential Tenancy Act. 

So what does this mean for you?

• We should assume that your assets, made in 2000 or older, contain asbestos.
• If you renew, you may need an asbestos survey and management plan.
• Only people who safely remove Asbestos obtain Class A or Class B Removalist licenses.

Failure to obey the rules can lead to severe penalties, including losing legal action or the ability to rent property fully to tenants. Compliance is not an option; this is the law!

Financial Risks of Ignoring Asbestos

Some landlords stopped dealing with Asbestos because they were worried about the cost. However, neglecting this issue frequently results in substantial expenses.

Here is how it can hurt your wallet:

• Case and Claims: If the tenants become ill, the landlords can be held responsible.
• Emergency Expulsion: During renewal, discovering unexpected Asbestos can prevent projects and blow the budget.
• Price of Low Property: Selling or renting a house with unchanged Asbestos is difficult.
• Cost of Vacancy: If tenants leave due to security concerns, landlords face empty months without rental income.

Managing Asbestos protects both your tenants and your bottom line. Think of it as an investment in the long-term value of your property.

Best Practice for Landlords

So, what should the landlords do to maintain asbestos safety? Here are some practical steps:

1. Please consider obtaining a professional survey if your assets were constructed before 2000.
2. Never try to remove Asbestos on your own. Only Class A and B professionals are legally allowed to do this work.
3. There is an asbestos management plan (AMP). It outlines where the Asbestos is located and how it will be managed.
4. Communicate with tenants, and if asbestos is present, take proactive measures. Tenants have the right to know and to communicate clearly and confidently.
5. Organising regular checks for controlled property inspections can prevent problems from developing into risks. 

You also show you care about the property and its tenants’ health, making you a responsible landlord.

Conclusion 

Asbestos is a significant problem that landlords need to think through properly. The health risks are not trivial, the legal responsibilities are indisputable, and the cost of ignoring an asbestos issue can be significant. 

Taking an active approach to Asbestos is not just a matter of compliance; it can also benefit business. If you haven’t already thought about this, now is the time to use licensed asbestos removal contractors to ensure you are safe, secure, and compliant with your rental properties.