If you’re renting an older apartment or home in Pennsylvania, there’s an invisible risk you may not be aware of: asbestos hazards in older rental properties. With much of the state’s housing stock built before the 1980s, countless tenants could be unknowingly exposed to this dangerous material. Fortunately, The Halpern Law Firm is here to help understand their asbestos renters rights and pursue justice if they’ve been exposed to asbestos. With over 35 years of experience handling asbestos-related cases, our team is dedicated to protecting tenants from preventable harm and holding negligent landlords accountable.
Why Asbestos Renters Rights are Important in Pennsylvania
Prior to 1980, asbestos was commonly used in insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, pipe coverings, and roofing materials. Many older buildings across Pennsylvania still contain these materials, especially in cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Scranton.
While asbestos is not dangerous when it’s intact and undisturbed, it becomes hazardous when damaged or deteriorating. Renters are especially vulnerable when:
- Landlords renovate without proper asbestos testing
- Ceilings, walls, or floors crumble or break due to age or water damage
- HVAC systems circulate asbestos-contaminated dust
Asbestos Renters’ Rights: Hazards in Older Rental Properties and Legal Obligations
As a renter, you have the right to live in a safe, habitable environment. While federal laws (like the EPA’s National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants – NESHAP) regulate how asbestos must be handled during renovations or demolitions, Pennsylvania renters also benefit from specific state-level protections.
Key points include:
- Landlords are responsible for disclosing known asbestos issues if they pose a health hazard.
- Tenants have the right to report unsafe living conditions to local housing authorities.
- If asbestos is actively releasing fibers, tenants may be able to withhold rent until proper remediation occurs (varies by jurisdiction).
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) provides guidance for landlords and contractors, but renters should also be proactive in asking questions—especially before signing leases in older buildings.
What Tenants Should Look Out For
Common warning signs of asbestos hazards include:
- Peeling or flaking ceiling tiles
- Crumbling wall plaster in basements or attics
- Disintegrating floor tiles in kitchens or bathrooms
- Recent renovations without notice or dust containment
If you notice these signs:
- Do not disturb the material.
- Document the condition with photos.
- Notify your landlord in writing.
- If unresolved, contact local housing authorities or legal advocates.
How The Halpern Law Firm Can Help
At The Halpern Law Firm, we’ve been fighting asbestos exposure victims for over 35 years. Our team understands how challenging it can be for renters to prove landlord negligence or link housing conditions to long-term health effects. We’re here to help tenants:
- Understand their legal rights
- Connect with certified asbestos inspectors
- Pursue compensation for asbestos-related illnesses
Don’t let inaction cost you your health or safety. We’re committed to holding negligent landlords accountable and ensuring your home is a safe place to live.
To find out more information about your renters rights with asbestos, call (800) 505-6000, fill out our contact form, or utilize our chat feature, and someone will be in touch with you right away.
Sources:
- EPA: Protect Your Family From Exposures to Asbestos
https://www.epa.gov/asbestos
- Pennsylvania DEP: Asbestos Program for Buildings
https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Air/BAQ/Asbestos
