The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency has launched a new campaign, with informational documents and collateral shared to target property buyers, sellers, landlords and rental tenants. The aim of the program is to inform stakeholders of their responsibilities around asbestos when buying or renting a home.
Homes built before 1990 often contain asbestos either inside or out, and is prevalent in an estimated one in three Aussie homes. As a known carcinogen, it is critical that all stakeholders are aware of the dangers and risks it carries.
CEO of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency, Justine Ross, says it’s vital that buyers, sellers, renters and landlords are aware of their obligations and rights across selling, buying or renting properties.
The campaign “will encourage sellers to disclose the presence of asbestos in their properties, to minimise the health risks for buyers. In some states and territories, they may be legally obligated to do this.”
“Similarly, we want landlords to identify, disclose and manage the presence of asbestos in their properties, to minimise the health risks for renters. Landlords may also be eligible for tax deductions for asbestos testing and removal.”
“The outcome we are hoping to achieve is to educate buyers and renters about how to stay safe around asbestos by understanding where it might be in a home and how to manage it appropriately.”
Currently, pre-purchase building inspections are not mandated to determine whether a home contains asbestos but are highly recommended for homes built before 1990. The campaign also notes that it is critical to use licensed asbestos assessors, who will be able to provide guidance on managing the risks of asbestos in the home.