Posted By Gareth Welch
I have a client (Housing Association) who are currently refurbishing a number of properties with the aim of selling them off.

We have had asbestos surveys carried out with virtually all properties coming back with ACM's present. As part of the works the majority of the ACM's will be removed.

A number of the properties have roof tiles that contain asbestos, the roofs are in good condition so it makes sense to leave them alone!

my question is do we have to inform buyers that the roof tiles contain asbestos? Most of my work is in the commercial sector where this information is always provided but Reg 4 of the CAWR 2006 onloy refer to no domestic properties!

Many Thanks

Gaz

Posted By Bob Youel

If you are selling housing stock to a business then expect a professional to ask searching questions re environmental and asbestos issues as they would have to deal with the stuff at a later date

If a company buys without asking the right questions then beware!

Tiles of this nature are low risk even when seen as waste provided that they comply to the asbestos content/weight/type formula

Posted By Gareth Welch
Thanks for the responses, our client (the housing association) are a little concerned that if they inform propsective buyers of the asbestos tiles it may hamper the sale of the properties.

Posted By Chas
Tell them about the asbestos tiles and also tell them that the tiles are likely to be at the 'low risk' end of the scale. Also mention the fact that it is probalby safer to leave them in situ than to remove them if they are in good condition. You could also include a leaflet in an information pack with a link to the following...

http://www.direct.gov.uk...WorkYourself/DG_10022562

They have produced a guidance leaflet that can be printed out.

In my experience if you are up front with this issue and take a sensible balanced approach then there is usually no problem. If buyers or tenants express concern then take the time to explain the issue. If it is done sensitively and if the ACM is truly in good condition and 'low risk' then the majority are usually understanding. To pretend the issue is not there is only storing up a bigger problem for the future. Hope this helps.