Asbestos in Rental Properties: What Landlords Need to Know

Date: 25 Nov 2025

Asbestos remains one of the most serious and misunderstood health risks in New Zealand’s built environment. While often associated with older buildings, it can still be found in countless residential and commercial properties across the country. For landlords and property managers, understanding the risk and having a clear management plan in place is not just responsible - it’s essential.

At Harcourts Reforma, we’re working closely with qualified asbestos consultants to ensure our clients stay informed, compliant, and protected.

What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Dangerous?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in building materials for its insulation and fire-resistant properties. It can be found in:

• Ceiling tiles
• Vinyl flooring
• Roofing products
• Insulation
• Cladding
• Fencing materials

The risk occurs when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, such as during renovations or damage. Releasing microscopic fibres into the air. When inhaled, these fibres can cause serious health conditions. There is no safe level of exposure, which is why WorkSafe New Zealand strictly regulates how asbestos must be identified, managed, and removed.

Landlords Have a Duty of Care
If you're renting out a property that may contain asbestos, especially if it was built before 2000 you need to consider your obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. While residential landlords are not automatically classified as PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking), WorkSafe still expects proactive asbestos management, particularly where:

• Renovation or demolition is planned
• The property is part of a larger mixed-use or multi-unit complex
• You employ contractors to carry out work

The Importance of a Risk Management Plan
One of the best ways to manage the risks associated with asbestos is to have an Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) in place. This outlines:

• Whether asbestos is present and where
• The condition of the material
• Plans for monitoring, encapsulating, or removing it
• Steps to keep occupants and contractors safe

Providers like All Clear offer management, demolition and refurbishment surveys that comply with current regulations. For landlords who plan to paint, renovate, or change tenants, this plan can prevent costly mistakes and help avoid putting others at risk.

Managing Asbestos Risk with the Right Support
At Harcourts Reforma, we want to ensure all landlords are fully informed about their responsibilities and risks when it comes to asbestos. Whether you're a private landlord managing your own property or one of our Reforma clients, it’s important to know that there are specialist providers like All Clear who offer practical advice, reliable testing, and full asbestos risk management services. Specialists like All Clear provide professional asbestos surveys, management plans, and support tailored for residential property owners. Their services meet all current regulations, fast reporting, and competitive pricing. If asbestos is found, they can also prepare a compliant Asbestos Management Plan (AMP). While visual inspections may seem like a quick option, they’re limited in scope and do not meet legal requirements for asbestos management. Only a full survey can identify risks, provide lab-verified results, and form the basis of a proper plan. Helping you protect your tenants, your contractors, and your investment.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for a Scare to Take Action
Asbestos isn’t just a problem for renovations or old factories, it’s a real risk that still exists in thousands of New Zealand homes, many of which are rented out today. The health consequences are severe, the legal responsibilities are real, and the cost of inaction can be devastating.

As a landlord, your duty of care extends beyond your financial investment, it includes the health and safety of those who live and work on your property. If you haven’t already arranged an asbestos assessment or created a management plan, now is the time to do so.

If you’d like help connecting with a qualified consultant or want to discuss your property’s risk profile, our team is here to help.