Got a house rented to a couple. I received a text last night they would like to have the house tested for asbestos, or has that already been done? This is a new one to me. Anyone ran into this before? What did/would you do in this case? Who would be responsible for the cost of this?

Thanks in advance for yall's insight.

"Got a house rented" is a vague phrase sometimes, so could you please clarify: Have they already signed the lease and moved in, or are they just in the "approved" phase?

Not that this changes the overall answer much, but it would change their obligations as far as who owes what to whom.

If they are already approved, I probably would cut them loose and let them go elsewhere. As LindaJ said, this type of tenant will be wanting mold tests, radon tests, and (fill in the blank) tests. No money lost at this point. Just smile, shake hands, and wish them the best on their future search.

they are, perhaps, trying to sound responsible and carrying people,,, they want you to know that they are all that and smart too.

You say, I can not approve this application.

And then you do not approve ANY application that request ANY test of ANY sort ... period.

Asbestos is actually still in products that are sold today. Such as ...

Cement corrugated sheets

Cement flat sheets

Cement pipe

Pipeline wrap

Vinyl floor tiles

Automatic transmission components

Clutch facings

Disk brake pads

Drum brake linings

Gaskets

Roof coatings

Roofing felt

So Are they going to test their car brakes as well? And no longer drive a car?

I would bring this up to them and discuss their concerns and ask if they have other concerns about the property. And I would asses whether I even want them as tenants. It may be better to cut them loose.

Definitely DO NOT let them have it tested, is my thought. Because once you KNOW....

One if my houses might have a layer of asbestos siding, which is covered with intact vinyl siding. The asbestos is good, if it is there, because the houses are close in that neighborhood. If a house to either side catches fire, my tenants have more time to get out safely...

As long as any asbestos materials aren't friable (flaking, crumbling, deteriorating) as others said, its best to leave it alone, as far as I know.

I agree with the posts about not doing the test.

I purchased a 1970s tract house that had asbestos inside and paid over $7k to get rid of it. Also, practically none of my neighbors removed the asbestos or unknowingly removed it by themselves, and the much older neighbors seem blissfully fine and unaffected.

Well, I addressed it. I asked if there were concerns and they said yes. They asked if all old houses had asbestos in them and they were concerned the levels would be to high to occupy. I suggested maybe it might be better to return the deposit and they would be free to look for a newer house. They agreed and said they would need to up their rental budget in order to afford it.

I am a landlord and licensed building contractor. Since I can not expose my employees, clients or tenants to asbestos, I've learned how to conduct tests myself using my microscope, polarized filters and turn table.

The most likely places I've found dangerous deteriorating asbestos products in rentals are:

1. Old kitchen composition tile squares, even when they've been cover up with new flooring -- there's always an exposed edge somewhere.

2. Old plaster walls that had asbestos added for fire safety but pose an even higher health risk.

3. Old ducting for forced air furnaces. With ducts coming apart the asbestos coverings get sucked into the system and blown everywhere.

Ugh! Ken's got a good point. Isn't fun having to think of every rotten possibility just to protect ourselves. Worth it though.

Tenants who worry about asbestos will find out that there is no place 100% asbestos free. What's next? these tenants will ask potential LLs for asbestos test results? and maybe two dozen of other tests to go with it?

Asbestos is everywhere, but is only risky in friable condition. Crumbled or dust.