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When dealing with the public in the housing market it is important that real estate agents know and present the facts regarding asbestos products. Disclosure guidelines require the seller of residential property to provide the buyer with a disclosure statement containing information on the presence or prior removal of asbestos.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, with very strong, heat resistant properties, making it appealing for use in many products. Asbestos has been used in the manufacture of heating and domestic water systems including pipes, boilers, gaskets, and tanks, spray-on insulation for fireproofing and acoustical purposes, vinyl and linoleum flooring, and drop-in ceiling tiles. Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are also found in exterior building materials, such as on shingles and roofing products.

Removal of Asbestos for Renovation Projects
Although some localities have local ordinances that require landlords to maintain asbestos in rental properties in good condition, there are no state or federal laws that require the removal of asbestos containing materials from either commercial or residential properties.

Because of the dangers posed from handling asbestos, the real estate agent should advise their clients that if there is asbestos in their home or business, they should not attempt to remove it on their own. Many companies across the United States specialize in the removal of this hazardous substance and should be contracted for the work.

Asbestos Products That Are Safe To Handle
There are some limited ACMs that are safe for a homeowner to handle without requiring support from a specialized asbestos removal company. Improper removal could result in costly health and clean-up costs to the homeowner. Therefore, real estate agents should advise their clients to contact their local Environmental Protection Agency for further information before undertaking any housing renovation project. If a contractor is contacted for the work, they must be a certified asbestos-abatement company.

Items Safe to Remove

• Asbestos containing siding in single family homes only.
• Asbestos-containing roofing materials, mastics, glues, cements, sealants,coatings, and adhesives
• Intact asbestos-containing floor tiles.

Be sure to advise buyers that the asbestos waste generated by these activities must be disposed in a landfill licensed to accept non-friable asbestos.

NOTE: In all cases, asbestos containing pipe and boiler insulation in residential properties must be removed by licensed asbestos abatement contractors.

Supporting The Client
The client and their family’s safety is a real estate agent’s priority, and because asbestos is a potential liability they should err on the side of caution. The following checklist can be used as a reminder of the obligations to a real estate client.

Checklist for Asbestos Safety

• Ensure that the appropriate the disclosure statements are provided,
• Remind clients to hire only licensed asbestos abatement contractors to remove asbestos containing materials,
• Advise clients to contact the appropriate companies and agencies before attempting to remove asbestos containing siding, roofing or floor tiles,
• Real estate agents should contact their local asbestos removal companies and agencies if they have any questions on state or federal asbestos regulations.