In terms of the risks associated with asbestos, a Dutyholder is a person who is responsible for the maintenance of a non-domestic premises such as a business premises, hospital, warehouse, office or school. It can also referred to a landlord who has responsibility for communal areas in rented properties such as kitchens, bathrooms or living rooms.
The Control of Asbestos Regulations mean that anyone who owns or occupies a non-domestic property could have an asbestos management survey conducted and implement a plan to protect people from exposure to asbestos fibres. Failure to correctly identify asbestos containing materials and manage the risk of exposure to them can result in prosecution.
Am I a Dutyholder if I rent (am a tenant of) a non-domestic property?
Yes. CAR2012 states that you are a Dutyholder if you have “a contract or tenancy, an obligation of any extent in relation to the maintenance or repair of non-domestic premises or any means of access or egress to or from those premises”.
