Texas asbestos rules: licensing, notices and homeowner exemptions

Built from official Texas and federal agency pages. Checked November 2026.

In Texas, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) runs the asbestos program. DSHS must be notified at least 10 working days before covered abatement and before any demolition, even when no asbestos is present. The state rules do not apply to a single private residence or an apartment building with four or fewer units, unless the federal NESHAP applies to it.

Who licenses asbestos work in Texas

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

• DSHS points to its Division for Regulatory Services Online License System for the most current asbestos licensing information. Source
• In public buildings, interior asbestos-containing building material must be abated by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor, and projects over 160 square feet, 260 linear feet or 35 cubic feet must be designed by a licensed consultant. Source

Asbestos survey before renovation or demolition

• In public buildings (buildings that allow general public access), the asbestos survey must be performed by a DSHS licensed asbestos inspector. Facilities regulated only by the NESHAP still need a survey; in commercial buildings the inspector must have completed an EPA or state approved asbestos inspector course. Source

Notification before renovation or demolition

• Notify DSHS no less than 10 working days (not calendar days) before the work starts. Emergencies and ordered demolitions are handled as exceptions. Source
• Notification is required before demolition of a building or facility, even when no asbestos is present. Source
• Notices go through the DSHS Online Asbestos Notification System, or by mailing the Asbestos Abatement/Demolition Notification Form. Source
• The building owner pays a fee based on the amount of asbestos removed, with a minimum fee of $55.00 plus a 3% subscription fee per original notification. Invoices are mailed 30-45 days after the project end date. Source

Homeowners and private residences

• The Texas asbestos rules (25 TAC Chapter 296) do not apply to a single private residence or a single apartment building with no more than four dwelling units, except a residential building that is subject to the NESHAP. Source
• DSHS states that one private residence is not subject to the asbestos NESHAP regulations and notification is not required. Source
• The DSHS decision tree asks whether the home will be converted to five or more units or to a commercial or public building, and whether other homes or buildings on the same site are also being renovated. Either can bring a residential project under the NESHAP. Where the rules do not apply, OSHA worker protection rules may still apply. Source

An exemption from licensing or notice is not a safety finding. EPA advises leaving undamaged material alone and having a trained professional sample anything you plan to disturb. See do I need asbestos testing before renovating?

The federal baseline

State rules sit on top of the federal Asbestos NESHAP. These points apply nationwide.

• Before a covered demolition or renovation starts, the owner or operator must thoroughly inspect the affected facility for asbestos, including Category I and Category II nonfriable material. Source
• The full removal and work-practice requirements apply when the regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM) involved totals at least 260 linear feet on pipes, 160 square feet on other components, or 35 cubic feet where it could not be measured beforehand. Source
• Written notice of intent is due at least 10 working days before asbestos stripping or removal work, or any other covered activity, begins. Source
• The owner or operator must notify the delegated agency before any demolition. Renovations need notice only when they involve the threshold amount of regulated asbestos-containing material. Source
• The work practice standards cover demolitions and renovations of all facilities except residential buildings with four or fewer dwelling units. A home demolished or renovated as part of a commercial or public project is not exempt. Source

This guide summarizes official agency pages for property owners. It is not legal advice. Abate Safe is a directory and does not perform asbestos work.