Asbestos Surveys for London Landlords and Property Managers

Types of asbestos survey

Management survey

Used to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, asbestos-containing materials that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupation and routine maintenance, and to assess their condition.

Refurbishment and demolition survey

Needed before any refurbishment or demolition work. It is more intrusive and aims to find all asbestos in the area where work will take place.

Who needs an asbestos survey?

• Freeholders and managing agents responsible for common parts of residential blocks
• Landlords planning refurbishment, rewiring or other building work in older properties
• Owners of mixed-use buildings

The legal requirements

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, those responsible for non-domestic premises — which include the common parts of residential buildings such as corridors, stairwells and plant rooms — have a duty to manage asbestos. Before refurbishment or demolition work in any building, asbestos that could be disturbed must be identified.

The HSE advises that any building built or refurbished before the year 2000 may contain asbestos.

Official guidance: HSE – asbestos · HSE – HSG264 survey guide

What happens during the survey

1. Scope agreedThe type of survey and the areas to be inspected are confirmed.
2. Inspection and samplingSuspect materials are inspected and, where appropriate, sampled for laboratory analysis.
3. Survey reportA report records where asbestos was found or presumed, its condition and recommendations.