Asbestos survey: Essential Guide for London Landlords

Ensuring the safety of rental properties is a fundamental responsibility for landlords in London. One critical aspect of this responsibility is managing the risks associated with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Compliance with legal requirements through obtaining a thorough asbestos survey not only protects tenants and workers but also shields landlords from potential legal and financial penalties. This blog covers the essential laws, service processes, certification procedures, council requirements, and pricing related to asbestos surveys in London, providing landlords with the knowledge to manage their properties confidently and compliantly.

Legal Requirements for Asbestos Surveys

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), landlords and building managers have a legal duty to manage asbestos risks in their properties. This includes identifying the presence and condition of ACMs and ensuring they are properly managed or removed to prevent exposure. The regulations require landlords to conduct an asbestos survey, especially for properties built before the year 2000, where asbestos is more likely to be present.

There are two main types of asbestos surveys:

• Management Survey: A non-intrusive inspection aimed at managing asbestos risks during normal occupancy and maintenance.
• Refurbishment and Demolition Survey: A more intrusive survey required before any renovation or demolition work to identify all ACMs that might be disturbed.

Landlords must ensure surveys are carried out by qualified and accredited asbestos surveyors who can accurately identify and assess ACMs. Failure to comply with asbestos regulations can lead to severe penalties, including fines and prosecution.

The Asbestos Survey Process

The asbestos survey process typically involves:

• Booking an inspection with a certified asbestos surveyor.
• Conducting a thorough visual inspection and sampling of suspected materials.
• Laboratory analysis of samples to confirm the presence of asbestos.
• Producing a detailed asbestos survey report outlining the location, condition, and risk assessment of ACMs.
• Providing recommendations for managing, encapsulating, or safely removing asbestos materials.

The survey report forms the basis of an asbestos management plan, which landlords must maintain and update regularly to ensure ongoing safety.

Council Requirements in London

London borough councils enforce asbestos management as part of their property licensing schemes, particularly for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and buildings with communal areas. Landlords must submit valid asbestos survey reports and demonstrate effective asbestos management to obtain or renew licenses.

Councils may conduct inspections to verify compliance and can impose fines or revoke licenses for failure to manage asbestos risks properly. Maintaining an up-to-date asbestos survey and management plan is therefore essential for landlords operating in London.

Pricing of Asbestos Survey Services

The cost of asbestos surveys in London varies depending on property size, type, and survey complexity. Typical price ranges include:

• Management asbestos survey for small residential properties: from £295
• Larger properties or commercial premises: prices increase based on size and complexity

Many providers offer bundled packages including asbestos surveys alongside other landlord safety certificates, which can be cost-effective for landlords managing multiple properties.

Booking Your Asbestos Survey

For landlords seeking professional and reliable asbestos survey services, Landlords Checks Limited offers expert asbestos surveys and certification. Their qualified surveyors provide thorough inspections, detailed reports, and practical advice to help landlords comply with legal asbestos management obligations.

You can conveniently book your asbestos survey online. Their team offers flexible scheduling and tailored support for landlords managing properties in London.