Asbestos Certificate Flanders
Asbestos Certificate: Everything You Need to Know
Since 23 November 2022, an asbestos certificate is mandatory when selling homes and buildings constructed before 2001 in Flanders. Discover what this means for you and how to save time and money by combining it with your EPC certificate.
Request a Combined QuoteWhat Is an Asbestos Certificate?
An asbestos certificate (also called an asbestos inventory certificate) is an official document that describes whether asbestos-containing materials are present in a building. The certificate is drawn up by a certified asbestos expert who performs a thorough visual inspection and takes samples for laboratory analysis if necessary.
Asbestos was widely used in construction until the late 1990s due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. The material is found in numerous building materials: corrugated sheets, slates, pipes, floor tiles, adhesives, insulation materials and even in some plasters and joints. While asbestos in good condition is not immediately dangerous, weathered or damaged asbestos-containing materials can release microscopic fibres that carry serious health risks, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
The Flemish government therefore decided that for every transfer (sale) of a home or building constructed before 2001, a valid asbestos certificate must be presented. This is part of the Flemish asbestos phase-out action plan, which aims to make Flanders asbestos-safe by 2040. The asbestos certificate gives the buyer a clear picture of the asbestos situation and contains recommendations for safe management or removal.
When Is an Asbestos Certificate Required?
The asbestos certificate is mandatory in specific situations. Below you will find the main cases where you need a valid certificate.
When selling: Since 23 November 2022, an asbestos certificate is mandatory when selling any home, apartment or building constructed before 2001 in the Flemish Region. The notary will request the certificate when signing the deed of sale.
Buildings from before 2001: Only buildings with a construction year before 2001 fall under the obligation. From that year onwards, the use of asbestos in building materials was completely banned in Belgium. Buildings from after 2000 are therefore asbestos-free.
Penalty for non-compliance: Anyone who sells without a valid asbestos certificate risks a fine from the Flemish government. Moreover, the buyer can contest the sale if the certificate is missing or incomplete. Therefore, always ensure that a certificate is drawn up in good time.
Validity: An asbestos certificate is valid for 10 years, provided no significant work takes place that changes the asbestos situation. After removal of asbestos-containing materials, a new certificate is required to confirm the asbestos-safe condition.
How Does the Procedure Work?
Obtaining an asbestos certificate is a structured process carried out by a certified expert. Here is what you can expect.
Request and Scheduling
You contact us via the quote form, by phone or by email. We schedule a visit from the certified asbestos expert at a time that suits you. On average, an appointment can take place within 5 to 10 working days.
Visual Inspection
The certified asbestos expert performs a thorough visual inspection of the entire building. All suspicious materials are recorded and assessed for condition, risk and accessibility. The inspection takes an average of 1 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the building.
Sampling and Analysis
If there is doubt about the composition of a material, the expert takes a sample that is then analysed in a certified laboratory. Results are typically available within 5 working days. Not every material requires sampling — the expert makes a professional assessment.
Asbestos Certificate
After processing all data and any laboratory results, you receive the official asbestos certificate. This document contains an overview of all identified asbestos-containing materials, their condition and risk level, and concrete recommendations for safe management or removal.
Why Combine EPC and Asbestos Certificate?
When selling a home built before 2001, you need both certificates: an EPC certificate and an asbestos certificate. By combining them through EPC Expert, you save time and money.
Save on Costs
By arranging both certificates through one point of contact, you avoid double administration and travel costs. We offer an advantageous combined rate when you request both an EPC and an asbestos certificate.
Save Time
One contact person, one scheduling moment, one invoice. In many cases, the EPC inspection and asbestos inspection can be scheduled on the same day, so you only need to be home once.
Everything in Order for the Sale
With both your EPC certificate and your asbestos certificate in hand, you are fully compliant for the sale. The notary needs both documents — we ensure you receive them on time and correctly.
Certified and Reliable
We work with certified asbestos experts who comply with all Flemish regulations. You are assured of a correct and legally valid asbestos certificate, just as you are accustomed to receiving a correct EPC certificate from us.
The sale of a property involves a lot of paperwork. In addition to the EPC certificate, there are numerous documents to collect: the asbestos certificate, a soil certificate, the post-intervention file, the electrical inspection and much more. By arranging the EPC certificate and asbestos certificate through EPC Expert, you take two major tasks off your plate at once.
Our clients appreciate the convenience of a combined approach. You call or email once, we take care of the rest. We schedule the inspections efficiently, coordinate with the asbestos expert and provide you with all documents digitally and clearly organised. This way, you can focus on what really matters: the sale of your property.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Asbestos Certificate
How much does an asbestos certificate cost?
The price of an asbestos certificate depends on the size and type of building. For an average apartment or terraced house, costs typically range between EUR 250 and EUR 450 excl. VAT. Any sampling and laboratory analyses may incur additional costs. Request a free quote for an exact price proposal.
How long does it take to get an asbestos certificate?
The inspection takes an average of 1 to 3 hours. When no sampling is required, you receive the certificate within a few working days. If sampling is needed, allow an additional 5 working days for the laboratory results.
Is an asbestos certificate also mandatory for rental?
Currently, the asbestos certificate is not yet mandatory for rental. However, the Flemish government has plans to extend the obligation to rental properties in the future. It is therefore wise to have an asbestos certificate drawn up now for your rental properties.
What if asbestos is found?
If asbestos in good condition is found, it does not necessarily need to be removed. The certificate then contains recommendations for safe management. For materials in poor condition, professional removal by a certified asbestos removal company is recommended. Small quantities in good condition can sometimes be safely managed by yourself with the appropriate precautions.
Can I have the asbestos certificate and EPC certificate done on the same day?
Yes, this is even recommended. We are happy to schedule the EPC inspection and asbestos inspection on the same day. This way, you only need to be home once and both certificates are available sooner. Mention when making your request that you would like both certificates.
Who is allowed to draw up an asbestos certificate?
An asbestos certificate may only be drawn up by a certified asbestos expert accredited by the Flemish government (OVAM). Our partner Fibex holds all the necessary certifications and accreditations to issue legally valid asbestos certificates.
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