The landlord’s asbestos responsibilities
In California, landlords have duties around asbestos, especially when it is damaged or when the landlord knows the building contains it. Keeping a rental safe and habitable can include addressing asbestos hazards that put tenants at risk.
If asbestos-containing material in your unit becomes damaged or starts releasing fibers, addressing that hazard safely is generally the landlord's responsibility — not something a tenant should try to fix. Landlords are also expected not to make the problem worse, for example by doing renovations that disturb asbestos without proper precautions.
California law also places disclosure and notification duties on many building owners regarding known asbestos, particularly in older commercial and multi-unit buildings. The exact rules can be detailed and depend on the property.
If you believe your landlord knows about asbestos and is ignoring damaged material or disturbing it unsafely, you do not have to accept that. A free, confidential review can help you understand your landlord's responsibilities in your specific situation.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.