My Ceiling is Falling/Collapsing...Help? (1 Viewer)

[ghostguy123]

Only reason I say this is cause the landlord is a total idiot and a #### for not immediately doing SOMETHING. At the very least he could tell you rent is free this month (maybe next also) and go to a hotel for a week while he has someone smarter than him come check things out.

Start taking pictures and video, and somehow record your conversations with this guy.

We did take some pictures of the actual incidents.

I have considered requesting a free month's rent, but I am not there yet. We are otherwise on very good terms with our landlords and I don't want to cause tension, though obviously I am a little skittish.

You dont request it, you just dont pay it. WOuld be fun to go to court for that with all the pictures and video you have.

 

[ghostguy123]

If you are still staying there, what is wrong with you??

Stop paying the damn rent and go to a hotel till it is fixed, and make damn sure you have a good couple rent free months for the troubles.

If that is all he has to do, he is a DAMN lucky landlord. You could likely sue. Not for the ceiling alone, but for his lack of appropriate response.

 

[El Floppo]

FYI- A lot of old plaster cotains asbestos.

I wondered about this. Is there any way for me to tell by looking at it?

The asbestos I've seen in NYC looks like felt blankets under floors or wrapping pipes. I haven't heard of it in plaster.

Take some pics and post here, Steve. And then gtfo to a hotel.

Oh... tell me you've got renters insurance?

 

[TxBuckeye]

Pretty sure a landlord does not have to pay for your stay elsewhere nor should they.

So the landlord has his tenants in an unsafe and unliveable condition but isn't responsible? I'd be interested to hear your reasoning on this.

A landlord does not have to pay for some hotel or something for his tenants to stay.

Where on Earth does that mean he is "not responsible"??

Jesus, dude, look up it up

Might be time to switch to decaf. You seem a little high strung.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Posting from phone - picture of ceiling - http://i.imgur.com/0T8y5pE.jpg

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Posting from phone - picture of ceiling - http://i.imgur.com/0T8y5pE.jpg

neat house

 

[ghostguy123]

Might be time to switch to decaf. You seem a little high strung.

It's ok to just admit you are wrong.

 

[Steve Tasker]

You dont request it, you just dont pay it. WOuld be fun to go to court for that with all the pictures and video you have.

I don't want to get into a legal battle. I don't want to pay for an attorney, and neither of us really has time to be tied up in court.

I don't really find her response to be unreasonable. We discovered the collapse on Wednesday around 7 PM. She was here early Thursday morning to look at it and clean it up. She contacted a contractor and was given a lead time of about a week. My brother's ceiling came down around 1 AM today and she was here at 9 AM to look at it. She claims the contractor "should be able to be here" tomorrow. We will see.

She says that she is under the impression that there should be no asbestos because the house was built before asbestos use became prevalent, but she has admitted that she has not had anything tested. She says she will discuss with her contractor and get his thoughts. Not sure I like that response, but I also don't want to overreact.

 

[rascal]

Posting from phone - picture of ceiling - http://i.imgur.com/0T8y5pE.jpg

Have they done a test for asbestos yet? If not, why the #### are you posting instead of getting out?

It's impossible to know if the fuzz type material (looks like it from the picture) is asbestos, but you do not want to find out the hard way.

Be smart, get out, and have it tested. Your brother should be doing the same.

 

[rascal]

You dont request it, you just dont pay it. WOuld be fun to go to court for that with all the pictures and video you have.

I don't want to get into a legal battle. I don't want to pay for an attorney, and neither of us really has time to be tied up in court.

I don't really find her response to be unreasonable. We discovered the collapse on Wednesday around 7 PM. She was here early Thursday morning to look at it and clean it up. She contacted a contractor and was given a lead time of about a week. My brother's ceiling came down around 1 AM today and she was here at 9 AM to look at it. She claims the contractor "should be able to be here" tomorrow. We will see.

She says that she is under the impression that there should be no asbestos because the house was built before asbestos use became prevalent, but she has admitted that she has not had anything tested. She says she will discuss with her contractor and get his thoughts. Not sure I like that response, but I also don't want to overreact.

She sounds like a decent land lord. You haven't said anything about any personal belongings being damaged, so is that correct? Does your contract say anything?

 

[SWC]

hey brohan just send the plaster in yourself to a lab it will be about a hondo bucks maybe a hondo and a half just get hte peace of mind on the asbestos you can not mess around with that stuff and hey falling stuff is falling stuff and everyone can say no big deal but hey if it hits you on the noodle it is a big deal take that to teh bank brohans

 

[Steve Tasker]

You dont request it, you just dont pay it. WOuld be fun to go to court for that with all the pictures and video you have.

I don't want to get into a legal battle. I don't want to pay for an attorney, and neither of us really has time to be tied up in court.

I don't really find her response to be unreasonable. We discovered the collapse on Wednesday around 7 PM. She was here early Thursday morning to look at it and clean it up. She contacted a contractor and was given a lead time of about a week. My brother's ceiling came down around 1 AM today and she was here at 9 AM to look at it. She claims the contractor "should be able to be here" tomorrow. We will see.

She says that she is under the impression that there should be no asbestos because the house was built before asbestos use became prevalent, but she has admitted that she has not had anything tested. She says she will discuss with her contractor and get his thoughts. Not sure I like that response, but I also don't want to overreact.

She sounds like a decent land lord. You haven't said anything about any personal belongings being damaged, so is that correct? Does your contract say anything?

Correct, no personal belongings were damaged.

She has been a good landlord as long as we've been here. She and her husband own this house and a handful of other properties, like 6 buildings with maybe 25 units in total. This was actually their first house they purchased when they had just gotten married, and it "has a special place in her heart", which seems totally true based on how I've seen how much she loves this place. She and her husband actually lived in our unit for about 10 years before moving out like 5 years ago.

Bottom line is that they're not some big faceless real estate corporation, but I'm sure they have legal connections that I don't. I like to think I'm decent at picking my battles...I won't pick a battle here unless it comes out that we're truly in danger and they're ignoring it.

ETA - I can dig up the contract. Not sure what it says, but it's pretty boilerplate stuff.

 

[SWC]

for the record i am not saying sue them or whatever just saying get the stuff tested and if it is asbestos get out of there honest that is it take that to the bank

 

[MC Gas Money]

FYI- A lot of old plaster cotains asbestos.

I wondered about this. Is there any way for me to tell by looking at it?

The asbestos I've seen in NYC looks like felt blankets under floors or wrapping pipes. I haven't heard of it in plaster. Take some pics and post here, Steve. And then gtfo to a hotel.

Oh... tell me you've got renters insurance?

Over time asbestos can degrade in to dust and be difficult to identufy immediately by someone who doesnt know what it smells like, which unfortunately I do

This house is well over 100 years old and id bet the farm that they inhaled some asbestos dust

 

[rascal]

You dont request it, you just dont pay it. WOuld be fun to go to court for that with all the pictures and video you have.

I don't want to get into a legal battle. I don't want to pay for an attorney, and neither of us really has time to be tied up in court.

I don't really find her response to be unreasonable. We discovered the collapse on Wednesday around 7 PM. She was here early Thursday morning to look at it and clean it up. She contacted a contractor and was given a lead time of about a week. My brother's ceiling came down around 1 AM today and she was here at 9 AM to look at it. She claims the contractor "should be able to be here" tomorrow. We will see.

She says that she is under the impression that there should be no asbestos because the house was built before asbestos use became prevalent, but she has admitted that she has not had anything tested. She says she will discuss with her contractor and get his thoughts. Not sure I like that response, but I also don't want to overreact.

She sounds like a decent land lord. You haven't said anything about any personal belongings being damaged, so is that correct? Does your contract say anything?

Correct, no personal belongings were damaged.

She has been a good landlord as long as we've been here. She and her husband own this house and a handful of other properties, like 6 buildings with maybe 25 units in total. This was actually their first house they purchased when they had just gotten married, and it "has a special place in her heart", which seems totally true based on how I've seen how much she loves this place. She and her husband actually lived in our unit for about 10 years before moving out like 5 years ago.

Bottom line is that they're not some big faceless real estate corporation, but I'm sure they have legal connections that I don't. I like to think I'm decent at picking my battles...I won't pick a battle here unless it comes out that we're truly in danger and they're ignoring it.

ETA - I can dig up the contract. Not sure what it says, but it's pretty boilerplate stuff.

Good landlords can be difficult to find, so maintaining good communication during this is a good idea IMO. If they are removing the plaster, it is going to make a huge ### mess and will likely result in you living somewhere else for a short duration. Might be a good idea for a vacation.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Those of you telling me to have it tested - I'm fine with that and footing the cost - does anyone have a good resource? Maybe one of the landlords here has used something in the past? I'd like to give someone a call during the day tomorrow if possible.

 

[SWC]

FYI- A lot of old plaster cotains asbestos.

I wondered about this. Is there any way for me to tell by looking at it?

The asbestos I've seen in NYC looks like felt blankets under floors or wrapping pipes. I haven't heard of it in plaster.Take some pics and post here, Steve. And then gtfo to a hotel.

Oh... tell me you've got renters insurance?

Over time asbestos can degrade in to dust and be difficult to identufy immediately by someone who doesnt know what it smells like, which unfortunately I do

This house is well over 100 years old and id bet the farm that they inhaled some asbestos dust

brohan as far as i know asbestos has no smell at all

 

[rascal]

What city do you live in?

 

[SWC]

my suggestion is call a realtor they normally know of a lab nearby because it is something that pops up in the home selling racket so if you know one give them a jingle brohan

 

[Steve Tasker]

What city do you live in?

Buffalo, NY

 

[rascal]

What city do you live in?

Buffalo, NY

http://naturallythebest.com/buffalo/asbestos-testing/

http://www.yellowpages.com/nationwide/mip/acm-engineering-environmental-21813041?lid=437519078

 

[rascal]

my suggestion is call a realtor they normally know of a lab nearby because it is something that pops up in the home selling racket so if you know one give them a jingle brohan

good idea

 

[SWC]

or a home inspector for a home sale to they know the labs to

 

[Johnny Rock]

Posting from phone - picture of ceiling - http://i.imgur.com/0T8y5pE.jpg

HFS! I'm thinking it will be hard to conceal that with a little toothpaste.

 

[MC Gas Money]

FYI- A lot of old plaster cotains asbestos.

I wondered about this. Is there any way for me to tell by looking at it?

The asbestos I've seen in NYC looks like felt blankets under floors or wrapping pipes. I haven't heard of it in plaster.Take some pics and post here, Steve. And then gtfo to a hotel.

Oh... tell me you've got renters insurance?

Over time asbestos can degrade in to dust and be difficult to identufy immediately by someone who doesnt know what it smells like, which unfortunately I doThis house is well over 100 years old and id bet the farm that they inhaled some asbestos dust

brohan as far as i know asbestos has no smell at all

Its a faint smell. Guys with experience around it can tell

 

[wazoo11]

Is the house haunted?

 

[ghostguy123]

You dont request it, you just dont pay it. WOuld be fun to go to court for that with all the pictures and video you have.

I don't want to get into a legal battle. I don't want to pay for an attorney, and neither of us really has time to be tied up in court.

I don't really find her response to be unreasonable. We discovered the collapse on Wednesday around 7 PM. She was here early Thursday morning to look at it and clean it up. She contacted a contractor and was given a lead time of about a week. My brother's ceiling came down around 1 AM today and she was here at 9 AM to look at it. She claims the contractor "should be able to be here" tomorrow. We will see.

She says that she is under the impression that there should be no asbestos because the house was built before asbestos use became prevalent, but she has admitted that she has not had anything tested. She says she will discuss with her contractor and get his thoughts. Not sure I like that response, but I also don't want to overreact.

She was stupid to not do whatever she could to make sure all of you were OUT of the building that day and staying somewhere else, assuring you that you will be compensated with free rent for whatever REASONABLE accommodations you would have to make to stay elsewhere while the building is looked over by a professional.

Not only stupid because if you got hurt after telling her, that is just a ridiculous amount of liability for her, plus it would just be the right thing to do on her end beyond legal ramifications.

Say you had to stay in a hotel for 7 days at 100 bucks a night while this is taken care of. Say rent is 700. Free rent this month MINIMUM. Probably also another month cause chances are some stuff was broken or dirty, or just for the hell of it so you don't move out immediately.

 

[ghostguy123]

Those of you telling me to have it tested - I'm fine with that and footing the cost - does anyone have a good resource? Maybe one of the landlords here has used something in the past? I'd like to give someone a call during the day tomorrow if possible.

First of all, you should not be there. get the F out

Second, have someone go there and get what they need to test it, while you are NOT there.

 

[ghostguy123]

And if you stop paying rent, dude, you wont need a lawyer for that. Have your pictures and videos, and have fun with it in small claims court.

I guarantee you she wont take you to court. She would end up paying a hell of a lot more than just the lack of a couple months rent for the troubles.

 

[SWC]

hey steveo i asked some guys here and everyone says that asbestos fibers do not have any smell maybe some of the stuff they mix it up in like portlan cement or whatever does but not the stuff itself so hey get it tested and be safe take that to the bank brohan

 

[Steve Tasker]

Per the contractor, sight-unseen (but I assume he's worked with the house before) - "not a chance of asbestos, the house has horsehair plaster".

Landlord's husband and the contractor are going to the apartment today.

 

[ROCKET]

The odds that there is asbestos in the plaster are slim to none. Out of all the projects where I have worked on where there was asbestos abatement I have almost never seen it related to plaster. It is typically in pipe insulation, certain types of exterior siding, caulking and very commonly in floor adhesives used for VCT tile. Now on the other hand there is very likely lead from the paint used over the years and that is highly toxic as well when airborne.

The fact that the ceilings and moulding are falling down means that there is some serious issues with the ceilings. Is the wood lath falling off as well or just the plaster? I assume it's probably only the plaster as after time the keys that hold it to the lath break off and the plaster gives way. You should not be living under those conditions and the ceilings need to be fixed asap and the debris/dust cleaned up.

The easiest scenario for your landlord would be to install 1" X 3" wood furring on the celings screwed securely into the joists/rafters and hang drywall on the furring and finish.You will lose 1 1/4" of ceiling height and have to reinstall/replace the moulding but that's the best option. Gutting the ceilings is going to be very costly and should be avoided. Trying to salvage and fix the existing ceilings would be a waste of time and money IMO.

I would go under the assumption that there is lead present. Test kits at Home Depot are cheap and can confirm that. Your landlord needs to hire someone certified to deal with the lead/plaster. Most reputable contractors that work on homes built before 1977 are certified as that is a federal law and there are huge fines for those not certified. Your landlord should know lead is a huge liability in a home that age by now anyways and if they don't they better learn quick before they get sued.

 

[NCCommish]

The odds that there is asbestos in the plaster are slim to none. Out of all the projects where I have worked on where there was asbestos abatement I have almost never seen it related to plaster. It is typically in pipe insulation, certain types of exterior siding, caulking and very commonly in floor adhesives used for VCT tile. Now on the other hand there is very likely lead from the paint used over the years and that is highly toxic as well when airborne.

The fact that the ceilings and moulding are falling down means that there is some serious issues with the ceilings. Is the wood lath falling off as well or just the plaster? I assume it's probably only the plaster as after time the keys that hold it to the lath break off and the plaster gives way. You should not be living under those conditions and the ceilings need to be fixed asap and the debris/dust cleaned up.

The easiest scenario for your landlord would be to install 1" X 3" wood furring on the celings screwed securely into the joists/rafters and hang drywall on the furring and finish.You will lose 1 1/4" of ceiling height and have to reinstall/replace the moulding but that's the best option. Gutting the ceilings is going to be very costly and should be avoided. Trying to salvage and fix the existing ceilings would be a waste of time and money IMO.

I would go under the assumption that there is lead present. Test kits at Home Depot are cheap and can confirm that. Your landlord needs to hire someone certified to deal with the lead/plaster. Most reputable contractors that work on homes built before 1977 are certified as that is a federal law and there are huge fines for those not certified. Your landlord should know lead is a huge liability in a home that age by now anyways and if they don't they better learn quick before they get sued.

Asbestos can definitely be found in plaster although his house may be a tad old for it.

 

[SWC]

hey man asbestos will kill you so if there is chance you test a hondo bucks is a small price to pay for not having asbestosis or meso later on i have seen it on to many guys and it is not pretty honest advice from swc on this one

 

[ROCKET]

The odds that there is asbestos in the plaster are slim to none. Out of all the projects where I have worked on where there was asbestos abatement I have almost never seen it related to plaster. It is typically in pipe insulation, certain types of exterior siding, caulking and very commonly in floor adhesives used for VCT tile. Now on the other hand there is very likely lead from the paint used over the years and that is highly toxic as well when airborne.

The fact that the ceilings and moulding are falling down means that there is some serious issues with the ceilings. Is the wood lath falling off as well or just the plaster? I assume it's probably only the plaster as after time the keys that hold it to the lath break off and the plaster gives way. You should not be living under those conditions and the ceilings need to be fixed asap and the debris/dust cleaned up.

The easiest scenario for your landlord would be to install 1" X 3" wood furring on the celings screwed securely into the joists/rafters and hang drywall on the furring and finish.You will lose 1 1/4" of ceiling height and have to reinstall/replace the moulding but that's the best option. Gutting the ceilings is going to be very costly and should be avoided. Trying to salvage and fix the existing ceilings would be a waste of time and money IMO.

I would go under the assumption that there is lead present. Test kits at Home Depot are cheap and can confirm that. Your landlord needs to hire someone certified to deal with the lead/plaster. Most reputable contractors that work on homes built before 1977 are certified as that is a federal law and there are huge fines for those not certified. Your landlord should know lead is a huge liability in a home that age by now anyways and if they don't they better learn quick before they get sued.

Asbestos can definitely be found in plaster although his house may be a tad old for it.

True,

I don't see it often but some of the plasters from the 20's - 70's did contain asbestos. I've never seen it related to horse hair plaster though which is why I figured that wasn't an issue here..

 

[SWC]

ps i am not trying to scare you or be overboard i just do not take it lightly that is all

 

[SWC]

and one more thing who knows when fixes or replastering was done i mean hey the good guys get it to stay up for a hundred years but not everyone is good and not all plasters are the same

 

[NCCommish]

The odds that there is asbestos in the plaster are slim to none. Out of all the projects where I have worked on where there was asbestos abatement I have almost never seen it related to plaster. It is typically in pipe insulation, certain types of exterior siding, caulking and very commonly in floor adhesives used for VCT tile. Now on the other hand there is very likely lead from the paint used over the years and that is highly toxic as well when airborne.

The fact that the ceilings and moulding are falling down means that there is some serious issues with the ceilings. Is the wood lath falling off as well or just the plaster? I assume it's probably only the plaster as after time the keys that hold it to the lath break off and the plaster gives way. You should not be living under those conditions and the ceilings need to be fixed asap and the debris/dust cleaned up.

The easiest scenario for your landlord would be to install 1" X 3" wood furring on the celings screwed securely into the joists/rafters and hang drywall on the furring and finish.You will lose 1 1/4" of ceiling height and have to reinstall/replace the moulding but that's the best option. Gutting the ceilings is going to be very costly and should be avoided. Trying to salvage and fix the existing ceilings would be a waste of time and money IMO.

I would go under the assumption that there is lead present. Test kits at Home Depot are cheap and can confirm that. Your landlord needs to hire someone certified to deal with the lead/plaster. Most reputable contractors that work on homes built before 1977 are certified as that is a federal law and there are huge fines for those not certified. Your landlord should know lead is a huge liability in a home that age by now anyways and if they don't they better learn quick before they get sued.

Asbestos can definitely be found in plaster although his house may be a tad old for it.

True,

I don't see it often but some of the plasters from the 20's - 70's did contain asbestos. I've never seen it related to horse hair plaster though which is why I figured that wasn't an issue here..

I think some companies were putting it in until the 80's based on some lists I've seen. But yeah that older plaster is probably unlikely. We didn't even really start producing asbestos here until around 1900 if memory serves.

 

[Black Box]

I agree with Rocket that there's probably a higher chance of some lead paint up there than asbestos.

But to be safe, probably get tests for both IMHO.

 

[ROCKET]

Canada is still exporting tons of asbestos and it's used in many countries to this day. Workers in China and many other countries are exposed to it on a daily basis. Sickening.

 

[NCCommish]

Canada is still exporting tons of asbestos and it's used in many countries to this day. Workers in China and many other countries are exposed to it on a daily basis. Sickening.

Worst part is we have known since Roman times it is bad for you. Just like lead.

 

[Steve Tasker]

The fact that the ceilings and moulding are falling down means that there is some serious issues with the ceilings. Is the wood lath falling off as well or just the plaster? I assume it's probably only the plaster as after time the keys that hold it to the lath break off and the plaster gives way. You should not be living under those conditions and the ceilings need to be fixed asap and the debris/dust cleaned up.

Just the plaster.

 

[eoMMan]

and one more thing who knows when fixes or replastering was done i mean hey the good guys get it to stay up for a hundred years but not everyone is good and not all plasters are the same

No brohan lingo? You're getting lazy with this alias.

 

[TenTimes]

How are the doors, any difference lately in how they are closing in to their frames?

 

[El Floppo]

The odds that there is asbestos in the plaster are slim to none. Out of all the projects where I have worked on where there was asbestos abatement I have almost never seen it related to plaster. It is typically in pipe insulation, certain types of exterior siding, caulking and very commonly in floor adhesives used for VCT tile. Now on the other hand there is very likely lead from the paint used over the years and that is highly toxic as well when airborne.

The fact that the ceilings and moulding are falling down means that there is some serious issues with the ceilings. Is the wood lath falling off as well or just the plaster? I assume it's probably only the plaster as after time the keys that hold it to the lath break off and the plaster gives way. You should not be living under those conditions and the ceilings need to be fixed asap and the debris/dust cleaned up.

The easiest scenario for your landlord would be to install 1" X 3" wood furring on the celings screwed securely into the joists/rafters and hang drywall on the furring and finish.You will lose 1 1/4" of ceiling height and have to reinstall/replace the moulding but that's the best option. Gutting the ceilings is going to be very costly and should be avoided. Trying to salvage and fix the existing ceilings would be a waste of time and money IMO.

I would go under the assumption that there is lead present. Test kits at Home Depot are cheap and can confirm that. Your landlord needs to hire someone certified to deal with the lead/plaster. Most reputable contractors that work on homes built before 1977 are certified as that is a federal law and there are huge fines for those not certified. Your landlord should know lead is a huge liability in a home that age by now anyways and if they don't they better learn quick before they get sued.

Asbestos can definitely be found in plaster although his house may be a tad old for it.

The asbestos is put into plaster while it's wet?

I've honestly never seen it related to plaster either. IME, it's only as Rocket describes- used as fire-protection, insulation and also as acoustical underlayment (under wood floors in NYC c. 1920). I'm not the end all nose-sniffing pro like MC, just have to deal with it every project here in NYC- where I see it, it was installed as a blanket/wrap either around pipes or under floors. I haven't seen it or heard of it in plaster, or floating in the ceiling.

But I'd still get some tests done.

More importantly- looking to the contractor-guys out there- what caused the plaster to fall? I'm not used to stuff just failing without some source... and considering the falling has occurred at the same time, I'd think there was a leak, or shift in the building that caused the plaster to disengage from the wood lathe. Or maybe this happens naturally after a century plus? I dunno.

 

[glumpy]

More importantly- looking to the contractor-guys out there- what caused the plaster to fall? I'm not used to stuff just failing without some source... and considering the falling has occurred at the same time, I'd think there was a leak, or shift in the building that caused the plaster to disengage from the wood lathe. Or maybe this happens naturally after a century plus? I dunno.

Older building and OP said that there was recent work done next door--including jackhammering. Without specifics I have worked with outcroppings underground where you can feel a ramjack a quarter mile away, and it caused hairline cracks in sheetrock during those operations. Older plaster like this would be even more sensitive.

Rocket's proposed procedures are right on time imo. I really wouldn't be too worried about asbestos either though the dust itself is irritation enough. At this age the finishes can be pretty brittle so they should be jumping on it.

 

[NCCommish]

The odds that there is asbestos in the plaster are slim to none. Out of all the projects where I have worked on where there was asbestos abatement I have almost never seen it related to plaster. It is typically in pipe insulation, certain types of exterior siding, caulking and very commonly in floor adhesives used for VCT tile. Now on the other hand there is very likely lead from the paint used over the years and that is highly toxic as well when airborne.

The fact that the ceilings and moulding are falling down means that there is some serious issues with the ceilings. Is the wood lath falling off as well or just the plaster? I assume it's probably only the plaster as after time the keys that hold it to the lath break off and the plaster gives way. You should not be living under those conditions and the ceilings need to be fixed asap and the debris/dust cleaned up.

The easiest scenario for your landlord would be to install 1" X 3" wood furring on the celings screwed securely into the joists/rafters and hang drywall on the furring and finish.You will lose 1 1/4" of ceiling height and have to reinstall/replace the moulding but that's the best option. Gutting the ceilings is going to be very costly and should be avoided. Trying to salvage and fix the existing ceilings would be a waste of time and money IMO.

I would go under the assumption that there is lead present. Test kits at Home Depot are cheap and can confirm that. Your landlord needs to hire someone certified to deal with the lead/plaster. Most reputable contractors that work on homes built before 1977 are certified as that is a federal law and there are huge fines for those not certified. Your landlord should know lead is a huge liability in a home that age by now anyways and if they don't they better learn quick before they get sued.

Asbestos can definitely be found in plaster although his house may be a tad old for it.

The asbestos is put into plaster while it's wet?

I've honestly never seen it related to plaster either. IME, it's only as Rocket describes- used as fire-protection, insulation and also as acoustical underlayment (under wood floors in NYC c. 1920). I'm not the end all nose-sniffing pro like MC, just have to deal with it every project here in NYC- where I see it, it was installed as a blanket/wrap either around pipes or under floors. I haven't seen it or heard of it in plaster, or floating in the ceiling.

But I'd still get some tests done.

More importantly- looking to the contractor-guys out there- what caused the plaster to fall? I'm not used to stuff just failing without some source... and considering the falling has occurred at the same time, I'd think there was a leak, or shift in the building that caused the plaster to disengage from the wood lathe. Or maybe this happens naturally after a century plus? I dunno.

Well it was put in plaster by many companies up until the late 70's early 80's.

 

[SWC]

and one more thing who knows when fixes or replastering was done i mean hey the good guys get it to stay up for a hundred years but not everyone is good and not all plasters are the same

No brohan lingo? You're getting lazy with this alias.

hey thanks for the heads up there all star the truth is that i normally do not put anything about brohans or getting along to the bank when i am making a post that i want people to know i am serious like crazy about so hey you keep on keeping on and thanks for being awesome take that to the bank brochacho

 

[SWC]

hey for a while there every one thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread it was fire ######ant added strenght to materials you name it well it ends up that it also gives you uncurable cancer but man it was in everything from gaskets to tiles to cement to pipe wrap to heat insulation you name it some cities up here in wisco actually required you to wrap pipes with it if they were in walls and so on really a hell of a thing all i know is i do not joke around about it and just tell people to get the test unless they know for sure its cheap and it might save your life not a real hard math problem there fellas

 

[culdeus]

talked to uni, he said it's fine to crash at his place.