Asbestos was used in insulation, floor tiles, roof shingles, siding, and pipe wrapping. Intact asbestos in good condition (non-friable) is generally not hazardous, but damaged or deteriorating asbestos (friable) can release dangerous fibers. Asbestos abatement—removal or encapsulation—must be performed by licensed professionals. Sellers must disclose known asbestos. Commercial property owners must comply with EPA and OSHA regulations regarding asbestos management.
A pre-1980 commercial building has asbestos pipe insulation in the basement. The insulation is intact and undamaged. The seller discloses the presence of asbestos and provides an asbestos management plan. The buyer may choose to have it professionally encapsulated rather than removed, at lower cost.
Know the difference between friable asbestos (can crumble, dangerous) and non-friable (intact, generally safe). Asbestos removal must be done by licensed professionals. For the exam, remember that asbestos is most common in properties built BEFORE 1980 and that the seller must disclose KNOWN asbestos.
Related Terms
Related Concepts
Protected classes are groups of people who are legally shielded from discrimination based on specific characteristics.
The Lead-Based Paint Disclosure is a federally mandated disclosure required for all residential properties built before 1978. Sellers and landlords must disclose known lead-based paint hazards and provide the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home."
A property condition disclosure is a written statement by the seller detailing the known condition of the property, including defects, repairs, and issues with major systems. Most states require sellers to complete this form.
A seller's disclosure statement is a form that sellers complete to inform buyers about the condition and history of the property, including known defects, past repairs, insurance claims, and environmental issues.
Flood zone disclosure requires informing buyers whether a property is located in a designated flood zone as mapped by FEMA. Properties in high-risk flood zones may require mandatory flood insurance.
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Asbestos Disclosure may have state-specific rules. Choose your state to study Mandated Disclosures with localized content: