Asbestos Surveys for Commercial Property
If your building was constructed or refurbished before 2000, the duty to manage asbestos under regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 applies to you — whether you occupy it or let it.
Book an asbestos survey
Tell us the property type, floor area and build date and we'll quote a UKAS-accredited survey.
Which survey do you need?
| Survey | Use case | Intrusive? |
|---|---|---|
| Management survey | Normal occupation and the duty to manage | Minimal |
| Refurbishment survey | Before works to any part of the building | Yes, in the works area |
| Demolition survey | Before full or partial demolition | Fully intrusive |
A management survey does not clear a building for works. Refurbishment surveys are a legal prerequisite.
The duty to manage in practice
- Find out whether asbestos-containing materials are present, and record their location and condition
- Presume materials contain asbestos unless there is strong evidence otherwise
- Keep an up-to-date asbestos register and share it with anyone who may disturb the fabric
- Assess the risk and write a written management plan
- Re-inspect at least annually and after any incident or works
Who carries the duty
The dutyholder is whoever has responsibility for maintenance and repair of the non-domestic premises — usually set by the lease. In a fully repairing and insuring lease that is often the tenant; in a multi-let building with common parts, the landlord or managing agent retains it for those areas.
Where the lease is silent, the duty falls on whoever controls the premises in practice. We identify the dutyholder in writing at the start of every commercial instruction so nothing is left ambiguous.
Frequently asked questions
Does the duty to manage apply to blocks of flats?
It applies to the common parts — hallways, plant rooms, roof spaces, risers — even though the individual flats are domestic. Most blocks built before 2000 need a management survey of common areas and a register.
How often does an asbestos re-inspection need to be done?
At least once every 12 months as a matter of practice, and sooner if the material's condition changes or works are planned in the area.
What happens if asbestos is found?
Asbestos in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed is usually managed in place, labelled and monitored. Damaged or high-risk material is removed or encapsulated by a licensed contractor.