Asbestos Inventory

Mapping a Hidden Hazard

An asbestinventarisatie (asbestos inventory) is a formal, legally required inspection and report for any building constructed before 1994, the year after which asbestos was banned in the Netherlands. Because asbestos was used in thousands of building products—from insulation and cement sheets to floor tiles and sealants—it is presumed to be present in older buildings. The inventory, which must be conducted by a certified company, has one primary purpose: to identify all asbestos-containing materials before any renovation or demolition work begins. The resulting report details the exact location, type, and condition of the asbestos, and is a prerequisite for obtaining a permit for the work.

The Landlord's Duty and Tenant Safety

Landlords are legally obligated to commission an asbestos inventory before carrying out any work that might disturb asbestos. This is crucial for safety, as disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release carcinogenic fibers into the air. Asbestos that is stable, contained, and undamaged (hechtgebonden) is generally considered safe. The danger arises from loose-fill (niet-hechtgebonden) asbestos or from activities like drilling, sawing, or breaking materials that release fibers. While a landlord is not required to give every tenant a copy of the report, they have a general duty of care to ensure the property is safe. This means they must manage or remove any deteriorating or high-risk asbestos. For tenants, this becomes a critical issue if they plan to do any DIY work themselves, as they may be unaware of what materials in their home contain this hidden hazard.