The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency has launched a new campaign to inform residential property buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords of their rights and responsibilities.

Asbestos is still found in one in three Australian dwellings, with homes built before 1990 often containing asbestos materials both inside and outside the property.

The agency’s CEO, Justine Ross, says it is vital people are aware of their rights and obligations when buying, selling or renting a home. The campaign aims to encourage sellers to disclose the presence of asbestos in their properties, to minimise the health risks for buyers.

“In some states and territories, they may be legally obligated to do this,” she said.

The agency also hopes to encourage landlords to identify, disclose and manage the presence of asbestos in their properties. Landlords may be eligible for tax deductions if they undertake asbestos testing and removal, she said.

“The outcome we are hoping to achieve is to educate buyers and renters about how to stay safe around asbestos, by understanding where it might be in a home and how to manage it appropriately,” Ms Ross said.

The agency has developed a number of new resources on the rights and obligations of buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords to accompany the campaign. They include a property disclosure tool, information videos and a fact sheet on arranging an asbestos assessment.

Click here for more about the campaign.