What should I do if I think there's asbestos in my apartment?

Notify your landlord in writing, do not disturb the material, and contact local authorities or TDEC if needed.

Is my landlord required to remove asbestos from my rental?

If asbestos is damaged or poses a health risk, your landlord must address and properly remediate it.

What government agency handles asbestos complaints in Tennessee rentals?

Local codes enforcement offices handle initial complaints; the TDEC Division of Air Pollution Control regulates asbestos abatement.

Can my landlord evict me for complaining about asbestos?

Retaliatory eviction is prohibited under Tennessee law if complaints are made in good faith for health and safety.

How do I document my asbestos concerns for a dispute?

Use written maintenance requests, take photos if safe, and keep copies of all communications with your landlord.

Tenant Rights on Asbestos in Tennessee Rentals

Health & Safety Standards Tennessee published: June 21, 2025

If you're renting an older building in Tennessee, you may be concerned about asbestos. Asbestos was widely used in construction before 1980 and can still be found in some ceilings, floor tiles, pipe insulation, and other materials. Exposure to asbestos fibers can pose serious health risks, especially when materials are damaged or disturbed. Understanding your rights as a renter and what steps to take can help you stay safe and informed in your home.

What Is Asbestos and Why Is It a Concern?

Asbestos is a group of minerals once used for fireproofing and insulation in buildings. While undisturbed asbestos is usually not hazardous, when broken, disturbed, or deteriorating, its fibers can become airborne and inhaled, increasing risks of lung disease. If you think there may be asbestos in your rental, or if you notice damage to old flooring, ceiling tiles, or insulation, you have the right to know your options.

Your Rights as a Tennessee Renter

Both federal and Tennessee law regulate the handling and disclosure of asbestos in rental properties. While there is no statewide mandatory disclosure for asbestos in residential rentals, landlords have a legal duty to maintain safe and habitable housing. This includes managing potential health hazards such as asbestos under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, which applies to counties in Tennessee with populations over 75,000¹.

Duty to Repair: Landlords must make repairs to keep the rental fit and livable. If asbestos is deteriorating and poses a health risk, it may violate this obligation.
Right to Request Repairs: You can formally request your landlord address damaged or disturbed asbestos materials.
Right to Involve Authorities: If your landlord does not act, you can contact your city or county codes enforcement office or file a complaint.

Official Complaints and Forms

If your landlord isn't responding to concerns about asbestos in your home, you may file a formal complaint or take further action through your local codes enforcement or the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC).

Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation - Complaint Form (no official number)
TDEC Air Pollution Control Complaint Form
When to use: File this if you believe asbestos is being improperly handled in your building or during renovations, especially if fibers may be released. For example, use this form if you observe construction work creating dust from old tiles or insulation in your apartment.
Uniform Residential Landlord/Tenant Maintenance Request (Sample)
Sample Tenant Request in Landlord-Tenant Handbook (see page 21)
When to use: Use a written maintenance request to formally notify your landlord of suspected asbestos hazards. This creates a record of your concern and your attempt to resolve it.

Who Handles Disputes in Tennessee?

The main authority for landlord-tenant disputes in Tennessee is the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). For code violations, your local government codes or health department offices are usually the first step. The TDEC Division of Air Pollution Control specifically regulates asbestos abatement and complaints.

Steps If You Suspect Asbestos in Your Rental

Do not disturb or attempt to repair any materials you believe contain asbestos.
Notify your landlord in writing with a clear description or photos.
Keep a copy of all communications and responses.
If your landlord does not respond, contact your local codes enforcement or file a complaint with TDEC.
In urgent situations, such as visible dust or damaged material, leave the area and seek immediate help from authorities.

These steps can help you protect your health and ensure there's a record of your concerns and actions taken.

Don't try to remove or clean up asbestos materials yourself. Only licensed professionals can safely handle asbestos removal in Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I think there's asbestos in my apartment?
Notify your landlord in writing, do not disturb the material, and keep a record of your request. If nothing changes, contact local codes enforcement or the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation.
Is my landlord required to remove asbestos from my rental?
If the asbestos is damaged or disturbed and presents a health risk, your landlord has a duty to address it to ensure the apartment remains habitable under Tennessee law.
What government agency handles asbestos complaints in Tennessee rentals?
Contact your local codes enforcement office first; for asbestos removal violations or improper abatement, file a complaint with the TDEC Division of Air Pollution Control.
Can my landlord evict me for complaining about asbestos?
Tennessee law prohibits retaliatory eviction for making good faith health and safety complaints.
How do I document my asbestos concerns for a dispute?
Use written maintenance requests, take dated photographs if safe, and keep records of all responses and communications.

Key Takeaways for Tennessee Renters

If asbestos is disturbed or damaged in your rental, your landlord must address it to maintain a habitable home.
Use official forms and written requests for repairs or to notify authorities.
Support is available from state agencies and your local codes enforcement office if you need to escalate concerns.

Staying informed and following official procedures can keep you safer and ensure your rights are protected.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: State law covering landlord and tenant responsibilities
Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation Air Complaint Form: For asbestos exposure or removal violations
Tennessee Real Estate Commission: Handles landlord-tenant disputes
Local Codes Enforcement or Health Department: Contact your city or county offices for immediate hazards
Tennessee Landlord-Tenant Handbook: Renter guidance and sample forms