Is a buidling developer liable for asbestos abatement

An apartment I purchased turns out to have a 5×10 hallway with vinyl asbestos tiles that will need to be removed. I am guessing abatement costs in the city will run about $5K+ (event though vinyl tiles are extremely low risk and not friable). Since the condo was constructed in 1982, a friend suggested that the developer who built in 1982 should be liable for the abatement costs. Anyone know if this is true? The developer is still in business BTW. Also, any idea how long the abatement process will put me back on my overall renovation. Even though the actual abatement work should only take a few hours, I wonder about the permits etc. I am worried that could add a bunch of time to a project that is already dragging on and way over budget

mzmisdacutljvesg

in General Discussion 9 years and 10 months ago

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mozeeatupu | 9 years and 10 months ago

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No. You’re the owner, the buck stops with you.
In fact, you’re liable if the prior owner has any outstanding fines, or illegal construction.

CarmenR | 9 years and 10 months ago

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Lol. The developer is not responsible for the abatement. Getting it removed and the paperwork filed with the city won’t take long- the abatement company should file most things for you and the rest your expeditor should handle. How do you know there is asbestos? Did you already file your inspection report with the city?

eman134 | 9 years and 10 months ago

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Do you really expect the developer from 34 years ago to be liable for using materials that were legal at the time?

ellenlourie | 9 years and 10 months ago

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i don’t think asbestos regulations were enforced or even exist in 1982. .

Guest User | 9 years and 10 months ago

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You have about as much recourse against the developer as you do against the prior owners. None. Neither were required to abate the asbestos.

daveinbedstuy | 9 years and 10 months ago

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But, to answer your question, I suspect the costs to go after the developer would be more than what you are quoting to have it abated.

daveinbedstuy | 9 years and 10 months ago

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What about just laying a new floor over them? Would be cheaper and rid you of the issue? I had floors refinished in one of my hallways after my flooring guys took up the old linoleum which may have had asbestos in it. I didn’t know or care. They just removed it. You did say you were in the process of an “overall renovation.” I assume that means permits and inspections but could this really be taken care of without the asbestos issue?