Asbestos in short term/traditional rental in Oregon

Asbestos in short term/traditional rental in Oregon

Scott PillarPro Member
Investor · Turner, OR · Member since 2016 · 9 posts · 1 vote

I am a 3 weeks out from closing on a residential property with a full basement that I plan to convert to dual living or short term rental. The home is early '60s in construction and has 9x9 tile (looks like Armstrong) in a portion of the basement. The tile is in good shape with very little wear and no cracking. 

My day job includes financial oversight of school facilities remodeling so I know enough to not "pull it" but rather "cover it" (may choose a wood laminate) but I have a few questions I am having trouble getting answered;

1) In schools we are required to create and maintain an Asbestos plan with includes the identification, containment and abatement processes for all of our buildings. This plan is a public document available for review at any time. While I do not need to disclose to my covered asbestos tiles to my friends shooting pool in my basement, do I need to disclose to a short term or long term renter?

2) On the (Oregon) property sale disclosure form, asbestos, specifically, is not mentioned. There is a section dealing with construction materials subject to recall, class action litigation etc. The current owners checked "unknown", which in my mind, seems a little suspicious. Does asbestos have to be disclosed at sale in Oregon and how have people dealt with non disclosures of such items?

3) Finally, going out in the weeds here a bit but I wonder if there is a market value depreciation when the place has asbestos? This is the oldest home I will (soon) own and the first with asbestos. I know it is safe and legal when not disturbed but would just the word "asbestos" drop the value of the home when I sell it 3 years from now?

Big thanks to this group! I don't post much but I do read this forum regularly and it has been incredibly helpful.

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  • Developer · Portland, OR · Member since 2014 · 732 posts · 490 votes
    8y
    Don’t disturb it, cover it up with new flooring, and you’ll be fine. No need to create an asbestos report to your tenant.
  • Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    8y
    Unless you’ve had it tested (or the prior owners did), you don’t know if it does or does not contain asbestos. You may be pretty sure based on the size, style, etc, but you would choose ‘unknown’ if you had to disclose it. As long as the construction you doesn’t disturb it (and just covers it), it’s acceptable to leave it as-is. No reporting required (unless you’re locale has specific rules about it)
  • Scott PillarPro Member
    OP
    Investor · Turner, OR · Member since 2016 · 9 posts · 1 vote
    8y

    Thank you! I appreciate the assistance here! 

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