Asbestos is a material that was banned in the UK in 1999. Any buildings built before 1999 may contain asbestos.
We have a duty to hold asbestos surveys for all communal areas in our residential buildings, as well as commercial and corporate buildings.
When asbestos is a risk
Asbestos is only dangerous when it's disturbed. If it’s in good condition, it should be left undisturbed unless it interferes with building work.
Do:
- assume a material has asbestos unless you know it does not
- get advice if you think there is asbestos
Do not:
- cut, sand or drill materials that may have asbestos in them
If you’re planning to alter your council home
If you have a secure council tenancy, you can make alterations to your home, but you must get permission from your Neighbourhood Housing Officer. They will contact the asbestos team if your home was built before 1999.
Advice for freeholders and leaseholders
If you’re planning to improve or alter a building built before 1999, a new asbestos survey must be done before work can start.
You can request information about asbestos by emailing our asbestos team at [email protected].
You can also read more on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.
How to get rid of asbestos
Only trained contractors can remove asbestos. You must not try to remove it yourself. Tenants and leaseholders must tell us if asbestos is being removed.