Asbestos certificate for common parts compulsory by the end of 2026? Associations of co-owners of buildings constructed before 2001 must, no later than 31 December 2026 have a valid asbestos certificate for the common parts. Does your apartment building not have a certificate yet? Then it is important to take action now.
Why is the asbestos certificate for common parts compulsory?
The Flemish Government wants to better map out asbestos-containing materials in buildings. Therefore, associations of co-owners (VMEs) of buildings constructed before 2001 must have an asbestos certificate for the common areas by 31 December 2026 at the latest.
The certificate identifies potentially asbestos-containing materials, for example in entrance halls, stairwells, cellars, technical areas, roofs and facades. This gives co-owners a clear picture of the asbestos risks present and enables them to take the appropriate measures if necessary.
The requirement also applies when no flat is sold.
What if your Co-ownership Association misses the 31 December 2026 deadline?
From 1 January 2027, the associations of co-owners involved must have the mandatory asbestos certificate. Anyone who misses the deadline fails to meet the legal obligation.
A sale can be blocked
From 2027, the asbestos certificate for the common parts must also be available when transferring an apartment. If the certificate is missing, the transfer can be blocked.
Waiting times can increase
As the deadline approaches, the demand for certified asbestos experts may increase. Anyone who leaves it too late runs the risk that the inspection can no longer take place in time.
Furthermore, it is important that the certificate is available before the deadline. Simply requesting a quote or scheduling an inspection is not sufficient to meet the requirement.
Who is responsible for the asbestos certificate?
The association of co-owners is responsible for obtaining the asbestos certificate for the common parts in good time.
In practice, the property manager usually takes care of the organisation. They inform the co-owners, gather the necessary building data and ensure that the inspection can be scheduled.
Even smaller apartment buildings with a co-ownership association (VME) are subject to the obligation when they meet the legal conditions.
What must a building manager prepare for the inspection?
Good preparation helps the asbestos survey to proceed smoothly. The building manager preferably collects available construction plans, renovation documents and information about the materials used in advance. It is also important that the asbestos expert is given access to all relevant common areas, including technical rooms, cellars and attics.
For larger apartment buildings, it can be useful to designate a contact person in advance to organise access to the various areas. This ensures the inspection runs more efficiently and any additional visits can be avoided as much as possible.
How can you apply for an asbestos certificate before the end of 2026?
Does your building not have a certificate yet? Then we recommend taking the following steps as soon as possible:
- Check the year of construction. Check whether the building was constructed before 2001 according to the land registry data.
- Discuss the obligations within the association of co-owners. Notify the managing agent and the co-owners.
- Request a quote. Engage a certified asbestos expert.
- Inspection plan. Ensure the communal areas are accessible and the necessary documents are available.
- Have the asbestos certificate drawn up. Following the inventory, the official certificate will be issued via OVAM.
Do not leave it until the final weeks of the year
The deadline of 31 December 2026 is fast approaching. For syndics, property managers and RMCs, this is the time to take the necessary steps.
At Vastgoedexperts you can rely on a professional asbestos inventory of the common areas, carried out by certified asbestos experts. We operate throughout Flanders.
More information about the legal obligation can be found at OVAM.
Does your apartment building not have an asbestos certificate yet? Request your no-obligation quote today.
Request your asbestos certificate for the common parts quotation
