Many people contact our organisation with concerns about asbestos products in their rental home or property.

If you believe there is asbestos on your property you should contact your landlord. You can have the product tested to confirm its asbestos content if you contact one of the providers listed under Is it Asbestos?

If the product is confirmed to contain asbestos and is damaged in any way (cracked, chipped, broken or with holes) you should contact your landlord immediately. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, damage to an asbestos product would be considered an urgent repair. See Consumer Affairs Victoria’s “Renting a Home: A guide for tenants and landlords” (particularly “Repairs” pages 16-18). This brochure should have been provided to you by your landlord upon commencement of the lease (failure to do so may result in a fine of $500 to the landlord).

If your landlord is does not action repairs immediately, contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81. Failure to remedy an urgent repair may entitle you to apply to VCAT for a hearing on the matter within 2 business days. VCAT can order the landlord do the repairs. VCAT application fees can be found here.

You may also find the Tenants Union of Victoria a useful resource in providing you with information on your rights. The TUV is instrumental in advocating for improved rental and tenancy conditions. See the Repairs factsheet here  for general guidance in the complaints process.