Asbestos and fire risk assessment

[Melmagpie]

I'm selling my flat and solicitor tells me this is now required for communal areas. Anyone had it done? Been quoted £375 + VAT and wondering whether to shop around. Solicitor said it was about £600 so this seems not bad...

It is the freeholder's obligation so, if you are not the freeholder, check with them to see if they have had one done.

Thanks - I am a co-freeholder. we have not had one done before. Should I propose that it is an expense for the freehold company rather than one for me personally?

Yes, if it affects the communal areas.

As a resident you may be able to get your local fire service to come and make a recommendation on fire safety which should do the job if it's a small block/conversion. Asbestos reports depend on how big the development is - I instructed one recently for £230+vat for 5 units.

I'm assuming it's a small block because it sounds like you self-manage...

It's a converted house so just four flats.

I had the fire brigade round cos I kept worrying about fire after i had the children! but don't think I have an actual report from them.

Might be worth contacting them and asking if they can make any recommendations - that might do it. Fire risk assessments are best prentice rather than the law, unlike asbestos reports.

That's great, thank you very much for your help.

if anyone has recommendations of specific surveyors for this I'd be grateful - looking to beat the £375 quote...

am in London by the way

For asbestos reports? Try Tasc and Companion :)

Thanks, will do

Hi again GrandPoohBah - just to let you know I've found out that the fire risk assessment IS now also law, apparently, according to my solicitor...