How do I know if my apartment contains asbestos?

Many older buildings may contain asbestos in ceilings, floors, pipes, or insulation. Only a professional inspection can confirm asbestos. Ask your landlord for documentation.

Is my landlord required to tell me if there's asbestos in my rental?

Alaska landlords aren’t generally required to disclose asbestos unless it’s a known hazard, but they must address any health threats making your unit unsafe.

Can I break my lease because of asbestos?

If asbestos makes your unit uninhabitable and the landlord won’t resolve it, you may have a right to end your lease after proper notice.

Where can I file an asbestos or habitability complaint in Alaska?

You can contact the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation or visit the Alaska Court System Housing Help page for official steps and forms.

Alaska Renters: Your Rights If There’s Asbestos in Your Apartment

Q: What should I do if my landlord won't fix an asbestos problem?

Send a written demand, then contact the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and consider filing a complaint or seeking legal help.

Health & Safety Standards Alaska published: June 21, 2025

If you’re renting an older apartment or house in Alaska, you may worry about asbestos—a hazardous material sometimes found in ceilings, flooring, or insulation in buildings built before the 1980s. Knowing your rights and what steps to take can help you keep yourself and your household safe if asbestos is suspected or discovered in your rental unit.

Understanding Asbestos Risks for Renters

Asbestos was once widely used for fireproofing and insulation. However, exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung disease and cancer. Asbestos is usually not dangerous unless disturbed or damaged, which can release fibers into the air. This makes safe management especially important in residential rentals.

Landlord Responsibilities in Alaska

Under Alaska’s Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords must provide safe and habitable housing. If there is damaged or uncovered asbestos in your unit, your landlord has a duty to address the hazard promptly.¹

Make necessary repairs to keep rental units habitable
Respond to health and safety hazards reported by tenants
Follow federal and state laws for safe asbestos management and removal

What Happens If You Suspect Asbestos?

If you find suspicious material (like old insulation, tiles, or pipe wrap) that’s damaged or crumbling, take these steps:

Do not disturb or try to clean the material yourself
Notify your landlord in writing immediately
Request a professional inspection and safe handling of the material
If the landlord does not respond, you have the right to file a complaint

How to Report Asbestos Concerns

In Alaska, renters can take action if landlords fail to fix asbestos issues:

Send a written notice to your landlord describing the problem and requesting repairs.
If there is no or inadequate response, you can file a complaint with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) Asbestos Program.
You may also take your issue to the court handling landlord-tenant matters if your home remains unsafe.

Official Forms for Renters

Notice of Tenant's Intent to Repair and Deduct (Form: None Officially Numbered)
Use this written notice if your landlord refuses to address asbestos or health/safety repair needs. Describe the problem, request repairs, and state your intention to "repair and deduct" if not fixed in the given timeline. See Alaska Courts' sample Tenant Notice to Landlord for wording. Typically, you must give written notice and wait at least 10 days for non-emergencies.

Always keep a copy of written notices or repair requests sent to your landlord.
Complaint Form – ADEC Asbestos Program
If you believe improper asbestos removal or mishandling is happening during renovation or demolition, report it directly to the ADEC Asbestos Complaint portal.

The main tribunal for housing or tenancy issues in Alaska is the state Superior Court’s District Court division. Find info on small claims and housing disputes at the Alaska Court System – Housing page.

Your Rights Under Alaska Law

The Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act protects renters’ health and safety. If a landlord fails to provide a safe, habitable unit by not handling asbestos risks, you may have the right to:

Withhold rent or pay for repairs (following proper notice and procedure)
File a claim in court for unresolved serious health hazards
Move out without penalty if your unit is uninhabitable from asbestos hazards (after legal notice)

It’s important to follow all notice and documentation rules to preserve your rights.

If you feel your immediate health is at risk, contact the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and consider seeking legal advice on next steps.

FAQ: Alaska Renters and Asbestos Issues

How do I know if my apartment contains asbestos?
Many older buildings may contain asbestos in ceilings, floors, pipes, or insulation. Only a professional inspection can confirm the presence of asbestos. Ask your landlord if they have documentation or recent inspection reports.
Is my landlord required to tell me if there's asbestos?
While federal law requires disclosure for certain sales, Alaska landlords are generally not required to inform tenants unless there is a known hazard. However, they must address health threats that make a unit unsafe.
What if my landlord won’t fix an asbestos problem?
You can send a written demand, contact the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, and ultimately file a complaint or seek remedies through the Alaska court system.
Can I break my lease over asbestos concerns?
If asbestos poses a clear, unresolved danger making your unit uninhabitable, you may have the right to end your lease after proper notice. Consult the Alaska Courts’ guides or seek advice first.
Where do I find help or file an official complaint?
Contact the ADEC Asbestos Program or visit the Alaska Court System Housing Help page for steps and forms.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Alaska Renters

Alaska law requires safe, habitable rentals—this includes proper asbestos management
If you suspect asbestos, do not disturb it; report in writing to your landlord promptly
If your landlord fails to act, you have options including complaints to ADEC and legal remedies

Know your rights, document every step, and seek guidance if you face unresolved health hazards in your home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation – Asbestos Program (info and complaint portal)
Alaska Court System – Housing Help (self-help resources for tenants)
Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
Alaska Legal Services Corporation (free or low-cost legal help)