Asbestos Survey Before Leasing a Commercial Property in London: Tenant and Landlord Checklist

Taking a lease on an office, shop, warehouse or other commercial property can create immediate questions about asbestos records, responsibility and planned fit-out works. Before occupation or alteration, landlords and incoming tenants should understand what asbestos information exists and whether it is suitable for what will happen next.

Ask for the existing asbestos information early

Request the current asbestos register, relevant survey reports, management information and records of any previous asbestos removal or remedial work. Check which parts of the property were surveyed and note exclusions, presumed materials and no-access areas.

Understand what the existing survey was designed to do

An existing asbestos management survey may support occupation and routine maintenance, but it should not automatically be relied on for intrusive tenant alterations. The key question is whether the available information matches the activities being planned.

Will the tenant carry out a fit-out?

If the lease will be followed by partitions, ceiling work, new services, drilling, floor removal or other disturbance of the building fabric, review whether the affected areas require a suitably scoped refurbishment and demolition survey before work starts.

For detailed project planning, see our commercial refurbishment asbestos checklist.

Clarify landlord and tenant information

Commercial premises can contain landlord-controlled areas, tenant-demised areas and shared services. Establish which asbestos information applies to each part of the proposed works. A survey of common parts should not be assumed to cover concealed materials inside a leased unit.

Before signing or taking possession

• Ask what asbestos surveys and registers are available.
• Check the surveyed areas and report limitations.
• Identify planned fit-out or alteration works.
• Confirm who will arrange any additional project-specific survey.
• Make relevant asbestos information available to contractors before intrusive work.

Need asbestos information for a London commercial lease?

If an existing report does not cover the property or proposed works, provide the premises type, location, approximate size and intended activities when requesting a survey.

Request a London asbestos survey quote.