As a property owner, you are probably already familiar with the regular asbestos certificate that is mandatory when selling a property. But from 1 May 2025, an asbestos certificate will also become mandatory for the common parts of buildings under the forced co-ownership regime. This may affect both co-owners' associations and individual owners.
Submit your application on time
Although the deadline may seem far away, it is wise not to wait until the last minute. Experience has taught us that most people tend to procrastinate, which can lead to huge delays. This can block the sale of your property, with all its consequences. To avoid problems, we advise you to apply for the asbestos certificate for the common parts now. This way, you will be prepared in time and avoid unpleasant surprises.
What does an asbestos inventory for common parts look like?
As with an asbestos certificate for a private property, an assignment form must also be completed for the common parts before the survey can take place. Here, sample sampling is mandatory, although an owner can refuse it. In that case, the asbestos expert will record the material as 'asbestos suspect' in the certificate. According to the legislation, the material is then automatically considered asbestos-containing unless the lab analysis proves otherwise.
This asbestos survey will describe common corridors, stairwells, basements, underground parking areas, boiler rooms, roofs and facades. Also in case of serial garage boxes, the external structures (roof, facades, mastic...etc.) will be checked. In addition, you should also know that the guidelines for steel removal of plaster in common parts are different from those for a residential unit. Thus, the number of samples can vary greatly depending on the size and number of floors of the property.
Furthermore, it is also very important that all rooms are accessible. If a room is not accessible because of a lock, we are obliged to come back on site as soon as the key is available.
How long is an asbestos certificate valid?
As for the validity of the asbestos certificate, the standard period is 10 years. In some cases, a shorter period of validity may be granted, for example if there was a limitation during the survey that did not allow the whole inspection area to be examined.
If there are high-risk asbestos-containing materials in a the building, the validity period is limited to 5 years.
It is important to note that the validity period is only relevant in case of a transfer of the property. For the 2032 milestone, where every owner must have an asbestos certificate, an asbestos certificate whose validity period has expired is also sufficient.
The validity of the asbestos certificate automatically expires when the validity date has passed, or when a more recent asbestos certificate has been prepared for the same property.
In the case of changed situations, such as the presence of 'new' asbestos-containing materials, the removal of asbestos-containing materials making the building asbestos-safe, or a change in the condition of asbestos-containing materials due to a calamity or incident, a new asbestos certificate may be required. This must then be prepared within one year of the changes being identified.
Therefore, to meet future legal obligations, it is very important for owners to apply for the asbestos certificate for the common parts in time. That way, potential problems in a sale can be avoided and the process can proceed smoothly.
Real estate experts is your asbestos expert!
Property Experts is the official partner of The Owners' Association and offers a total solution of services for property owners. This includes providing asbestos certificates, EPC inspections, electrical inspections, heating oil tank inspections, tank remediation and site surveys. As a professional team with certified inspectors all over Flanders, we offer fast service and competitive prices. By acting promptly and cooperating with reliable partners such as Vastgoedexperts, property owners can prepare themselves for future obligations and avoid any obstacles to the sale of their property.
