The Content Of The Article:

Hello, we signed a compromise for the purchase of a house 34 years ago. The asbestos, energetic and termite diagnoses were made after the signature and the results are suspensive of the same compromise. We have just discovered the results of the diagnoses: there is asbestos on the 230m ² of roofing but noted without risk. What to do? the purchase price is around 500K €. Breaking the deal? try to negotiate a price decrease if so in what order? Have the roof replacement costed? Should we buy a house with asbestos even if according to reports there is no risk? In addition the insulation of this house and almost nonexistent: double brick + air. Low glass wool in the attic.

Almost all the roofs that were made before January 1, 1997 with "fibro" slates or fiber cement plates contain asbestosbut in small quantities, and more imprisoned at the time of shaping the products. The risk is minimal and is significant only in case of intervention on the roof (breaking, sawing or sanding materials). It is not advisable at most to recover rainwater with this type of roof. On the other hand, all the usual precautions related to asbestos removal must be taken in case of repair or demolition of the roof. it is only in this case (if the roof is to be replaced) that you can, possibly, take advantage of a prejudice justifying a price revision or a breach of the compromise.

Regarding insulation, what you describe can not be considered "inexistent" (a majority of houses in France have a double wall wall or even glass wool in the attic.

Finally, it is surprising that compromise could have been signed without the legal diagnoses (unless, of course, you did not sign it at a notary, but carried out under private seal or in a real estate agency, which I still do not recommend). If it contains a real suspensive clause, you can certainly try to break the compromisebut I wonder if you are exposing yourself to a few risks, since you yourself have agreed to sign this compromise in ways that derogate from current legal obligations.

For all these questions I advise you to get closer to your notary.

On the same topic

  • Questions answers
    • Covers containing asbestos in 5 questions
    • Replace a fiberglass slate roof with an insulated roof
    • Presence of asbestos in partitions: should it be dismantled and what is the cost?

This may interest you

Breaking a sales agreement due to asbestos in the roof

FAQ - 💬

❓ Is it illegal to sell a house with asbestos in it?

👉 The short answer is yes. It's not illegal to sell a house with asbestos. Obviously, buyers would much rather buy a home with no asbestos concerns. However, outside of a thorough inspection, there is no way to tell if a home contains this potentially toxic material.

❓ What happens if you have asbestos on your roof?

👉 If your asbestos roof is damaged, crumbling or disturbed by fire, breaking, cutting, drilling or sanding, the asbestos fibres may become airborne and dangerous. The more weathered your roof becomes, the more significant the health risk. Unfortunately, asbestos fibres are microscopic.

❓ Can a tenant take legal action for asbestos in a rental property?

👉 Under the implied “warranty of habitability,” tenants have the right to a habitable home. Asbestos can potentially cause uninhabitable living conditions in the rental unit, allowing for tenants to take legal action. There is also the chance that the tenant decides to go on living in the rental unit, knowing the asbestos is present.

❓ When is a manufacturer liable for asbestos injuries?

👉 For example, if an asbestos manufacturer or seller claims that an asbestos product is safe, but it turns out to be harmful, the manufacturer or seller may be liable to someone who relied on the claim and was injured.


Video Instruction: Secrets To Safely Cutting Asbestos Shingles In Hyde Park Austin With Donovan White Builder