16 October 2017

New proposals for Welsh landlords to include asbestos checks

A consultation document has been published by the Welsh Government seeking views on new proposals under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). The proposed Regulations identify 29 matters and circumstances which could give rise to potential hazards. Asbestos and manufactured mineral fibres are included on the list, amongst other hazards such as damp and mould growth, carbon monoxide and lead.

If the proposals are implemented, landlords in Wales will be required to meet these standards to ensure their properties are fit for human habitation, with checks being made at the start and during a tenancy.

The new proposals require landlords to take the following actions in relation to asbestos:

  • Damaged or likely to be damaged or disturbed asbestos should be assessed for repair, sealing, enclosure or removal by licensed (HSE) contractors;
  • Existing asbestos can be managed in situ (covered or protected and the condition monitored) if it is in good condition and unlikely to be damaged/worked on/disturbed;
  • Keeping a record of asbestos location in the building; and
  • Protecting it from damage by occupants.

Ben Holderness, Enquin’s Technical Manager comments “We welcome these new proposals by the Welsh Government as they expand upon the previous Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, and now address management of asbestos containing materials in a building, and thus reducing the chances of potential exposure. These new proposals are more prescriptive, making it clearer for both Landlords and Tenants, and more representative of modern living standards as a whole.”

The Consultation document ‘Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – Fitness for Human Habitation’ is open for a period of 90 days and responses are required by 12 January 2018.

To view the full document see here:

Enquin Environmental is a team of independent, qualified and highly experienced asbestos consultants, with full UKAS accreditation for Testing and Inspection of Asbestos. We provide our clients with impartial, practical advice, guidance, surveying and analytical services throughout the UK.