Asbestos in vacant apartment, how to handle this??

[Cody F.]

We purchased an apartment complex that needed brought back up to speed, and knew that some units had 20 year old carpet in it.

Now when ripping up the carpet we found that there's old tile underneath. The building was built in 1974 so we are assuming it's original, so that makes it possible that it's asbestos tile, certainly looks like it, so we are treating it like it is until we find out otherwise.

I'm trying to get this apartment renovated and ready to rent. And I'm not sure how to go about it.

What kind of legal liability am I in? From what I've read, it's not dangerous until it's disturbed and the dust is released into the air.

Do I get rid of it? And if so, how?

Or do I just cover it up with more flooring again and run with it that way?

I'm just trying to stay within the bounds of the law so we stay out of trouble. Any and all help is greatly appreciated!!

[Jason D.]

@Cody Furman If the floor is in good shape you can simply cover it and not have to worry. The problem arises when the flooring needs to be demo'd, and the tiles are broken apart. It will probably be something you'd want to disclose when you decide to sell. For now it's nothing to worry about.