N.M. from New Haven County, Connecticut writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
Had a leak in my bathroom from the 3rd floor down into the 2nd floor. Insurance company came out and tested my bathroom walls for asbestos. They came back hot. Who is responsible for the removal of the asbestos?
Mister Condo replies:
N.M., I am sorry for the leak damage and asbestos discovery in your unit. I am assuming this is an older condominium or conversion, built at a time when asbestos was commonly used in construction. If the asbestos was found in a part of the condo that you own (ceilings are a common place to find it) then you are likely responsible for the abatement and repair. If the asbestos was found in a common element then the association may be responsible. Bottom line is that it is a health hazard and needs to be dealt with. If the repair and asbestos removal isn’t too expensive, I would simply pay for it myself. If you suspect that the association is responsible and they are refusing to take care of it, you should speak to a locally qualified attorney to see what other options you have. Either way, get it taken care of quickly. Living in an asbestos-contaminated home is not safe. Good luck!