Can we remove your suspended ceilings next week? It contains abestos and it would be due dilligence to get them removed. We would like to start Monday.

That was the initial message my landlord came up with, when he called me on a Thursday afternoon two weeks before Christmas.

A new law have been passed setting strict requirements to the safety measures for handling and removing of asbestos. It will be effective on the 1st of January.

So my landlord actually asked me if it was ok if they just came in and tore the ceiling down, of course they would cover my desk, books, and things before doing anything.

It was as if he didn’t understand the health risk involved with asbestos, and the thurough cleaning it requires. Essentially I would have to move out of my office and find another place to work.

All of it was a cover to save some money for the added safety cost of removing the ceiling after the new year.

When I asked him how long it would take, he swiftly replied “oooh we’ll be done next week”, I pressed him into admidtting he didn’t know when a new ceiling would be put up.

My situation was troublesome, I didn’t have time to play the moving game. I have a business to run.

I decided I wouldn’t take this. So I started searching for relevant legislation, and found the business rental code. Which clearly states the landlord have to give 8 weeks notice in writing, including a detailed plan for the continued work.

Armed with this new information I went to work Friday morning and talked to the other tenants. They too were approached with the same unreasonable demands.

Together it was easy to call BS and get the landlord to back down.

The plans have been postponed since asbestos isn’t dangerous, when left alone.

So what was the lesson here? Know the rules, and don’t be afraid to look them up, when you need too. It will save you a lot of trouble, when the bullies come around.