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HR4247119th CongressWALLET

Asbestos Exposure in Housing Reduction Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would require mandatory asbestos disclosure and a 10-day inspection window for dwellings built before 2019. HUD and the Environmental Protection Agency would have two years to write rules that say what sellers and lessors must tell buyers and renters and what inspections are allowed before contracts become binding.

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  • Families, buyers, and renters: Would receive a large-type Asbestos Warning Statement, any asbestos hazard reports the seller or lessor has, and a 10-day period to order a risk assessment or inspection before signing a sale or lease.
  • Sellers, lessors, and agents: Would need to disclose known asbestos hazards, attach a separate warning sheet to contracts, get a signed acknowledgement, and ensure agents follow the rules. The requirement covers dwellings constructed before 2019, even where Fair Housing Act exemptions normally apply.
  • Violators: Could face civil fines, injunctive relief, and private lawsuits. A knowingly violating party could owe three times the purchaser’s or lessee’s damages and face penalties under the Toxic Substances Control Act up to $10,000 per violation.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Stiff penalties for hiding asbestos

If enacted, people who knowingly skip these asbestos disclosures could face civil money penalties. The HUD Secretary could ask a court to stop violations. Buyers or renters could sue for three times their damages, and courts could make violators pay lawyer and expert fees. TSCA penalties could be up to $10,000 per violation. Enforcement would start when the rules take effect, about two years after enactment.

New asbestos disclosures for homes

If enacted, HUD and EPA would set rules within two years. For homes built before 2019, sellers and landlords would have to tell buyers or renters about known asbestos and share any reports before they sign. Contracts would include a separate, large-type Asbestos Warning Statement, and buyers or renters would sign that they read it. Buyers and renters would get 10 days to inspect or assess risk, unless both sides agree to a different time. Agents hired to sell or lease would need to ensure these steps happen.

Funding to run asbestos rules

If enacted, Congress could give HUD and EPA money each year to run these rules. The bill authorizes “such sums as may be necessary.” It does not set a dollar amount. Agencies would still need Congress to approve the funds.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35]

CA • D

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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