Asbestos in Rental Housing

Asbestos is a mineral fiber once used in many building materials. It is safe if left alone and undamaged, but breathing its fibers can cause lung disease and cancer years later. Older rental buildings often contain it somewhere.

• Tenants
• Landlords
• Property Managers

Where it hides

• Vinyl floor tiles, sheet flooring and the adhesive under them
• Textured or "popcorn" ceilings and some wall plaster
• Pipe and boiler insulation, duct wrap and furnace parts
• Roofing, siding and cement board, and some old appliances
• Buildings built before about 1980 are most likely to have it, and some products were used later.

You cannot tell by looking. Only a lab test of a sample can confirm asbestos. See Asbestos for Homeowners.

When it is a problem

• Undamaged and intact: usually not a danger. Do not disturb it.
• Damaged, crumbling or "friable" (easily crushed to powder), or disturbed by drilling, sanding, sawing, scraping or demolition: it can release fibers.
• Water damage, age and repair work can make materials fall apart.

Landlord responsibilities

• Keep the building safe and in good repair; many places require landlords to deal with hazards. Rules vary by state and city. See Landlord Safety Duties.
• Before renovation or demolition, landlords generally must have the building inspected for asbestos under the EPA's NESHAP rule (see EPA Asbestos NESHAP) and use trained, licensed professionals where required. See Asbestos Licensing.
• Workers and tenants must be protected from exposure and told about work that could disturb asbestos, as local law requires.

What tenants should do

• Do not sand, scrape, drill, saw or sweep dry debris from suspect materials
• If a material is damaged, avoid it, keep children and pets away and report it in writing to the landlord. Keep a copy and photos. See Tenant Safety Rights
• If you see work that may disturb asbestos, ask whether tests were done and whether certified workers are doing it
• If dust is released, leave the area, close doors and ask for professional cleanup. Do not use a regular vacuum or broom
• If the landlord does not respond, contact the local health department, housing code enforcement or environmental agency
• If you think you were exposed, tell your doctor about it

Last updated: October 8, 2026