Knowing where asbestos is in a home can keep people safe
If a home was built before 1990, it can contain asbestos both inside and outside. In fact, asbestos is still found in 1 in 3 Australian homes.
Asbestos is known to cause cancer. Asbestos is dangerous when damaged, disturbed or deteriorating because microscopic fibres can become airborne and be easily inhaled or ingested. This can cause fatal diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
But the presence of asbestos in a residential property doesn’t need to be a deal breaker. Residential properties containing asbestos are bought, sold, leased and rented every day in Australia.
By knowing where asbestos can be in a residential property, we can all keep safe.
The importance of disclosing the presence of asbestos
Watch our videos (below) for information about the importance of disclosing the presence of asbestos in a residential property when it is being sold or rented, and the rights and responsibilities of buyers, sellers, renters and landlords:
Disclosure requirements vary between states and territories
Read our fact sheets below to better understand the asbestos disclosure requirements that apply in each state or territory.
Disclosure of asbestos in residential property – information for buyers and sellers fact sheet
Disclosure of asbestos in residential property – information for renters and landlords fact sheet
Where can you find asbestos in a home?
The diagram below shows the common places where asbestos might be in a home.
See our Asbestos in residential property disclosure tool that includes this diagram and some warnings about when asbestos is dangerous. This tool can be downloaded and printed so if you’re a seller, agent or landlord you can provide a copy to buyers and renters.
Download the Asbestos in residential property disclosure tool
Getting a residential property asbestos assessment
Getting an asbestos assessment can give you confidence in knowing where asbestos is in a home so you can manage it safely and avoid accidental damage.
See our Arranging a residential asbestos assessment fact sheet which provides useful information about asbestos assessments, including:
- how to arrange one
- who can carry one out
- what the assessment generally includes.
Download the Arranging a residential asbestos assessment fact sheet
Additional information
For more information about managing asbestos in your home, visit:
- Asbestos safety for householders and home renovators brochure
- Asbestos in the home
- Disclosure of asbestos in residential property: Information for buyers and sellers video
- Disclosure of asbestos in residential property: Information for renters and landlords video
- Asbestos in residential property disclosure tool
- Disclosure of asbestos in residential property – information for buyers and sellers fact sheet
- Disclosure of asbestos in residential property – information for renters and landlords fact sheet
- Arranging a residential asbestos assessment fact sheet
ACCESS THE DISCLOSURE OF ASBESTOS IN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY STAKEHOLDER CAMPAIGN PACK
