If you own, are buying, or are renovating an older house in Stoke-on-Trent or Staffordshire, there’s a good chance asbestos may be present somewhere in the property. Many homes built before the year 2000 — and especially those built between the 1930s and 1980s — contain asbestos in ceilings, walls, floors, garages, and roofing materials.
So the question is: who is legally allowed to remove asbestos from old houses in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire?
This guide explains who can remove asbestos, when licensed contractors are required, and what homeowners should do next.
Why Asbestos Is Common in Older Houses in Staffordshire
Older housing stock across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire often includes asbestos in:
- Artex and textured ceilings
- Asbestos insulating board (AIB)
- Floor tiles and adhesives
- Pipe lagging and boiler insulation
- Garage roofs, sheds, and soffits
- Asbestos cement roofing sheets
Asbestos was widely used for insulation, fire protection, and durability — long before the health risks were fully understood.
When these materials are disturbed during renovation, dangerous fibres can be released, creating serious health and legal risks.
Who Is Allowed to Remove Asbestos From Old Houses?
✔ Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors
In most cases, asbestos in older houses must be removed by professional asbestos removal contractors.
High-risk asbestos materials must legally be removed by HSE-licensed contractors, including:
- Asbestos insulating board (AIB)
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestos-insulating-board-aib-removal
- Pipe lagging and thermal insulation
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestos-pipe-lagging-removal-aib-solutions
Licensed contractors operate under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, using strict safety controls, enclosures, air monitoring, and certified waste disposal.
AIB provides fully licensed asbestos removal services across the region:
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestosremoval
❌ Homeowners & DIY Removal
Homeowners should not attempt to remove asbestos themselves.
DIY asbestos removal:
- Is unsafe
- Can be illegal
- Often contaminates the whole property
- Frequently costs more to fix later
Even lower-risk materials such as floor tiles or cement sheets must be handled correctly to avoid fibre release.
What About Asbestos Surveys and Testing?
Before removal can take place, asbestos must be identified and assessed.
A professional asbestos survey confirms:
- Whether asbestos is present
- What type of material it is
- Whether removal is required
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestossurveys
If sampling is needed, laboratory asbestos testing confirms the result safely:
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestostesting
This step is essential before renovation or refurbishment work.
Who Removes Asbestos in Stoke-on-Trent?
If you’re based in Stoke-on-Trent, asbestos removal should always be carried out by a local, licensed contractor familiar with older housing stock in the area.
AIB provides specialist asbestos removal in Stoke-on-Trent, supporting homeowners, landlords, and buyers:
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestos-removal-in-stoke-on-trent
Local knowledge helps identify common materials found in:
- Post-war housing
- Former industrial areas
- Older terraces and estates
Who Removes Asbestos in Staffordshire?
Across wider Staffordshire, asbestos removal is required in:
- Rural properties
- Farm buildings and outbuildings
- Older town housing
- Converted commercial buildings
AIB also provides asbestos removal services across Stafford and surrounding areas:
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestos-removal-in-stafford
Using a local contractor ensures faster response times and fewer project delays.
Asbestos Removal for Homeowners and Landlords
AIB works with:
- Homeowners renovating older houses
- Buyers following surveys
- Private landlords
- Letting and managing agents
Specialist support for homeowners and private landlords is available here:
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/homeowners-private-landlords
Domestic asbestos removal services are also available:
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestosremoval-domestic
What Happens After Asbestos Is Removed?
Professional asbestos removal includes:
- Controlled removal
- Safe waste disposal
- Clearance testing (where required)
- Certification that the area is safe to reoccupy
You can read a full breakdown of the process here:
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/blog/asbestos-removal-step-by-step-guide
How to Choose the Right Asbestos Removal Company
When choosing who removes asbestos from your old house, always check:
- HSE licence (where required)
- Training and qualifications
- Accreditations and audits
- Local experience
- Reviews and case history
You can view AIB’s accreditations here:
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/accreditationscertificates
And read verified client reviews here:
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/our-reviews
Final Answer: Who Removes Asbestos From Old Houses in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire?
Asbestos in old houses should be removed by licensed, professional asbestos removal contractors — not homeowners or general builders.
For properties in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, using a local, experienced contractor ensures faster response, safer removal, and full legal compliance.
Need Asbestos Removal for an Older Property?
👉 Speak to a local asbestos specialist
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/contactus
👉 View our accreditations and compliance credentials
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/accreditationscertificates