Disclosure of asbestos in residential property

Knowing where asbestos is in a home can keep people safe

If a home was built before 1990, it can contain asbestos both inside and outside. In fact, asbestos is still found in 1 in 3 Australian homes.

Asbestos is known to cause cancer. Asbestos is dangerous when damaged, disturbed or deteriorating because microscopic fibres can become airborne and be easily inhaled or ingested. This can cause fatal diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

But the presence of asbestos in a residential property doesn’t need to be a deal breaker. Residential properties containing asbestos are bought, sold, leased and rented every day in Australia.

The importance of disclosing the presence of asbestos

By knowing where asbestos can be in a residential property, we can all keep safe from exposure.

When a property changes hands or new residents move in, it’s a good time to check where asbestos materials are located, assess their condition, and where possible, plan for safe removal.

Watch our videos below for information about the importance of disclosing the presence of asbestos in a residential property when it is being sold or rented, and the rights and responsibilities of buyers, sellers, renters and landlords:

Disclosure requirements vary between states and territories

Read our fact sheets below to better understand the asbestos disclosure requirements that apply in each state or territory.

Disclosure of asbestos in residential property – information for buyers and sellers fact sheet

Disclosure of asbestos in residential property – information for renters and landlords fact sheet

Where can you find asbestos in a home?

The diagram below shows the common places where asbestos might be in a home.

House with common asbestos locations indicated, including exterior, backyard, wet areas, internal areas

Our Asbestos in residential property disclosure tool includes this diagram and some warnings about when asbestos is dangerous. If you’re a seller, agent or landlord you can download this tool and provide a copy to buyers and renters.

For more information about the wide range of asbestos containing materials that were used in the Australian built environment, including images and descriptions of where they can be found, visit our Asbestos Product Guide.

Download the Asbestos in residential property disclosure tool

Getting a residential property asbestos assessment

Icon of a person with a clipboard standing in front of a house

Getting an asbestos assessment can give you confidence in knowing where asbestos is in a home so you can manage it safely and avoid accidental damage.

See our Arranging a residential asbestos assessment fact sheet which provides useful information about asbestos assessments, including: