Resident guidance & Policy information: All residents - Last updated 17 April 2026

Asbestos safety in your home

This page explains what asbestos is, when it poses a risk, how Anchor manages asbestos in your home and what you can do to stay safe. You can also download our Asbestos Management Policy.

On this page you’ll find:

Anchor’s Asbestos Management Policy
What is asbestos?
How Anchor manages asbestos in your home
How to stay safe and minimise potential exposure to asbestos
How to report disturbed or damaged asbestos
Signs of potential asbestos disturbance to report immediately
What you can expect if work needs to be done to remove or seal asbestos
How to get more help or advice on asbestos

Anchor's Asbestos Management Policy

Our policy outlines our approach to asbestos safety management across our properties.

Asbestos Management Policy

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a natural material that was widely used in buildings before the year 2000. It can be found in things like old insulation, ceiling panels, floor tiles, and some types of textured coatings (artex). Asbestos is safe as long as it’s undisturbed.

Asbestos only becomes a risk if materials containing it are damaged, drilled, sanded or broken, releasing tiny fibres into the air. Breathing in these fibres over time can be harmful.

How Anchor manages asbestos in your home

As your landlord, we will do the following:

Identify where asbestos is present
Check its condition regularly, in line with regulatory guidance
Regularly remind you if asbestos is present at your location
Keep records and manage it safely
Share any asbestos surveys, if you request them
Ensure only competent persons carry out work on materials which contain asbestos
Follow a specific process in emergency situations where there is an unplanned incident
Remove or seal it if it becomes damaged or unsafe.

In homeownership, we only have responsibility for communal and external areas as well as the roof and building structure. If homeowners report issues where Anchor isn’t responsible, we can offer advice and assist in arranging contractors, but the costs would need to be covered by the homeowner.

If asbestos is present, it is normally safe to leave it where it is as long as it is in good condition and not disturbed.

How to stay safe and minimise potential exposure to asbestos

Do not drill, sand, cut, or remove any materials you think may contain asbestos
Report damage (cracks, breaks, loose panels) to your location manager as soon as possible
Avoid DIY work that could disturb walls, ceilings or floors unless you have approval from Anchor.

How to report disturbed or damaged asbestos

Any accidental damage to known or presumed asbestos should be reported immediately to your location manager or Anchor On-Call if out of hours.

Signs of potential asbestos disturbance to report immediately

Let us know immediately if you notice any of the following:

Damaged or crumbling ceiling or wall panels
Broken floor tiles
Peeling textured coating
Dust or debris you can’t explain.

We’ll arrange an inspection and take care of any repairs or testing needed.

What you can expect if work needs to be done to remove or seal asbestos

If asbestos needs to be removed or sealed where you live:

Specialists will carry out the work safely
Your home and belongings will be protected
You may be asked to stay out of certain rooms while work is carried out
You will be told when it is completely safe to return.

Need help or advice?

If you have any concerns about asbestos, please talk to your location manager or contact the Customer Experience Hub on 0800 731 2020. Likewise, if you would like permission to carry out work please speak to your location manager.