Should the housing association have removed these tiles?

baza52

Helena2006 wrote: »

Bazza52 what do you mean by this?

I mean how much compensation do you want for all the health problems etc that you "could" have?

Vicydiy19

Hi All, I find it is best to be informed and so you can decide or make the right decision on time. Mine case is:
I believe that I am exposed to asbestos. I just got an unfurnished flat in one of the high rise building in the city. Since there were works to clear previous tenant's stuff some of the flooring tiles were somehow damaged. When I got it I asked for information about the material inside and was told that they will provide them but they didn't. So I took it and did all the cleaning you can imagine to make it a home and dealt with dust whilst sweeping the floor tiles without knowing. Later obe of the contractor refused to carry out a repair saying that an inspection is first needed since asbestos is present (the building is older... in 50's). So I was called to schedule this inspection but my landlord cancelled it angrily that there is no need since they have already done the tests before me getting the flat. Also she stresses that if there were asbestos in the flat it was not going to be rented out again she said that they are everywhere nothing you can do about it but I insisted that if there is no need, I still want to see the report which she was against and sort of refusing it. Now my question is what can I do since the floor is not yet covered, after the cleaning I just moved in now is 4weeks while waiting for the carpet to be delivered and fitted. Please advise as I am very worried that the dust accumulated from the floor tiles damaged and undisturbed tiles and painting the walls which might contain asbestos also might have been entered my lungs while breathing doing cleaning. Since I had a dry coughing, nose and breathing going on. Also I did all by myself while I thought it to be a small job for a studio flat but I was long now. Please advise on what I can do present and future consequences. Also what are might rights vs. landlord's? Basically, I am living, sleeping and breathing in those floor tiles not yet got the flooring. Since, I can't sleep all night thinking about it and wondering what I can do about it now that I am in and the flooring is not yet covered since waiting for the carpet to be delivered and fitted in.
From the landlord, he was telling me when I asked for a report or survey that I should instead consider moving out but I feel the damage is already done! Now asking if I should stay in or move out again there is some works to be done and there is already dampness and water on windows no matter how I try to get air in and for ventilation.
Please help, your comments/advice/recommendation will be very much appreciated.
Vicy

Aylesbury_Duck

Vicydiy19 wrote: »

Hi All, I find it is best to be informed and so you can decide or make the right decision on time. Mine case is:
I believe that I am exposed to asbestos. I just got an unfurnished flat in one of the high rise building in the city. Since there were works to clear previous tenant's stuff some of the flooring tiles were somehow damaged. When I got it I asked for information about the material inside and was told that they will provide them but they didn't. So I took it and did all the cleaning you can imagine to make it a home and dealt with dust whilst sweeping the floor tiles without knowing. Later obe of the contractor refused to carry out a repair saying that an inspection is first needed since asbestos is present (the building is older... in 50's). So I was called to schedule this inspection but my landlord cancelled it angrily that there is no need since they have already done the tests before me getting the flat. Also she stresses that if there were asbestos in the flat it was not going to be rented out again she said that they are everywhere nothing you can do about it but I insisted that if there is no need, I still want to see the report which she was against and sort of refusing it. Now my question is what can I do since the floor is not yet covered, after the cleaning I just moved in now is 4weeks while waiting for the carpet to be delivered and fitted. Please advise as I am very worried that the dust accumulated from the floor tiles damaged and undisturbed tiles and painting the walls which might contain asbestos also might have been entered my lungs while breathing doing cleaning. Since I had a dry coughing, nose and breathing going on. Also I did all by myself while I thought it to be a small job for a studio flat but I was long now. Please advise on what I can do present and future consequences. Also what are might rights vs. landlord's? Basically, I am living, sleeping and breathing in those floor tiles not yet got the flooring. Since, I can't sleep all night thinking about it and wondering what I can do about it now that I am in and the flooring is not yet covered since waiting for the carpet to be delivered and fitted in.
From the landlord, he was telling me when I asked for a report or survey that I should instead consider moving out but I feel the damage is already done! Now asking if I should stay in or move out again there is some works to be done and there is already dampness and water on windows no matter how I try to get air in and for ventilation.
Please help, your comments/advice/recommendation will be very much appreciated.
Vicy

And you edited this because you "forgot a few words"? Jeez.

Start your own thread and break up the wall of text. You'll get more help that way.

HampshireH

Vicydiy19 wrote: »

Hi All, I find it is best to be informed and so you can decide or make the right decision on time. Mine case is:
I believe that I am exposed to asbestos. I just got an unfurnished flat in one of the high rise building in the city. Since there were works to clear previous tenant's stuff some of the flooring tiles were somehow damaged. When I got it I asked for information about the material inside and was told that they will provide them but they didn't. So I took it and did all the cleaning you can imagine to make it a home and dealt with dust whilst sweeping the floor tiles without knowing. Later obe of the contractor refused to carry out a repair saying that an inspection is first needed since asbestos is present (the building is older... in 50's). So I was called to schedule this inspection but my landlord cancelled it angrily that there is no need since they have already done the tests before me getting the flat. Also she stresses that if there were asbestos in the flat it was not going to be rented out again she said that they are everywhere nothing you can do about it but I insisted that if there is no need, I still want to see the report which she was against and sort of refusing it. Now my question is what can I do since the floor is not yet covered, after the cleaning I just moved in now is 4weeks while waiting for the carpet to be delivered and fitted. Please advise as I am very worried that the dust accumulated from the floor tiles damaged and undisturbed tiles and painting the walls which might contain asbestos also might have been entered my lungs while breathing doing cleaning. Since I had a dry coughing, nose and breathing going on. Also I did all by myself while I thought it to be a small job for a studio flat but I was long now. Please advise on what I can do present and future consequences. Also what are might rights vs. landlord's? Basically, I am living, sleeping and breathing in those floor tiles not yet got the flooring. Since, I can't sleep all night thinking about it and wondering what I can do about it now that I am in and the flooring is not yet covered since waiting for the carpet to be delivered and fitted in.
From the landlord, he was telling me when I asked for a report or survey that I should instead consider moving out but I feel the damage is already done! Now asking if I should stay in or move out again there is some works to be done and there is already dampness and water on windows no matter how I try to get air in and for ventilation.
Please help, your comments/advice/recommendation will be very much appreciated.
Vicy

If you were that concerned you wouldn't be sleeping in the room. You could instruct your own survey should you wish or put down an alternative flooring. Even putting a sheet down to cover the broken tiles would be suffice temporarily whilst waiting for carpet.

Floor tiles are not highly friable unlike an asbestos insulation but that is not to say you should be removing them yourself.

if you are that worried, recontact your landlord and request the removal of any broken tiles. If your landlord is suggesting you move out, perhaps they don't feel they want a tenant who they may be perceiving to be a problem.

You will come across asbestos in all walks of life, perhaps the place you work, shop, go out for dinner etc. Unless you live in a bubble of new builds you will be/have been in rooms with it on numeous occasions i expect.

Your cold like symptoms are just a cold or exposure to cleaning chemicals without a face mask. Asbestos fibers don't materialise within a few days. On average it takes 20 years but could be anywhere between 10-40 after exposure.

Vicydiy19

Thanks HampshireH for your reply. I appreciate that this material is in all walks of life however it is best to be informed.

Fire_Fox

Helena2006 wrote: »

What about sanding floors and varnishing? Would they be against rules as an alternative To laminate

"Often social tenants can make certain easily reversible additions or alterations to a landlord's property without their consent ...

Do re-read all the paperwork you were given or signed when you took on the tenancy. This should include rights and responsibilities of both parties as far as repairs, maintenance, DIY, reporting problems, seeking permission and so on."

If in doubt write (letter or e-mail) to the Housing Association.

IMO sanding and finishing existing wood flooring is a job for an experienced/ skilled DIYer, or for a professional. Protective clothing/ equipment is essential throughout, the wood dust will get everywhere, your family will not be able to use your home normally for days.

HTH.

Helena2006

I’m not after any compensation of any sorrt, weird how you would instantly come to that conclusion, and then make one of the most unhelpful comments on this thread. All I want is a safe home to live in, that’s all

Helena2006

Yes I understand it wiiukd be very dusty. There would be no asbestos if any kind in a wooden floor though would there

Fire_Fox

Helena2006 wrote: »

Yes I understand it wiiukd be very dusty. There would be no asbestos if any kind in a wooden floor though would there

Many potentially harmful substances may have been applied to or adjacent to an older wooden floor. Lead in paint or varnish, asbestos in adhesive (glue) or insulation material, mould spores, dust mite poop, flea dirt ....

"Avoid Toxins When Sanding Old Wood Floors"

keith969

Fire_Fox wrote: »

Many potentially harmful substances may have been applied to or adjacent to an older wooden floor. Lead in paint or varnish, asbestos in adhesive (glue) or insulation material, mould spores, dust mite poop, flea dirt ....

"Avoid Toxins When Sanding Old Wood Floors"

Scaremongering. There is no reason to paint floors with lead paint, but if they *are* painted, sanding them will be very tedious as sanding belts will clog up with paint really quickly. You have to ask yourself if sanding makes sense, consider other options.

A good face mask will stop you breathing dust. That's all you need and I've done many floors in the last 30+ years. Use commonsense, is that such a tall order?