Artex is it safe

If the Artex was put on in the last 20 years it will be safe. If is older and does contain asbestos then the landlord should not be renting the property. The landlord should have it tested. Tests cost around £30 per room, and local companies will test it for you.

Artex is fine as long as you don't disturb it, the asbestos is only released if you break into it. There are specialist builders/decorators who will remove it if required.

Oh dear ! Something else to worry about. Our 1985 bungalow has artex throughout, all bar the kitchen which had new ceiling about 7;years ago when we had new kitchen fitted. I don’t like the look of the stuff but couldn’t face the mess of having all new ceilings.

I love Artex, always wanted my rooms doing but we could never afford it. I know it`s considered "old hat" but is it still available to have done?

I contacted the builders and, I think, the NHBC years ago about this as one of our houses had Artex and I was assured that the amount was absolutely minimal and was safe if painted over.
I'm sure a 1985 build is fine but you could check with them Kittye.

How old is the house hulahoop and has the Artex been done since the house was built?

It should be OK unless, as SueDonim says, it is disturbed, ie drilling into it etc.

Artex is horrible, you can have it plastered over to give a smooth finish.

I have lived in an artex ceiling-ed house for fifty one years. Ceilings are just plain with a slight stippled effect. Never given it a thought.

DH put smoke alarms in some years back. He seems alright.

Should I be careful when I put the paper chains up at Christmas?

Thanks for replies I will get her to check when it was done I think she said it was painted over .

As long as it's intact, it's safe.
My whole flat is artexed (badly!)
Its probably somewhere on my to-do list, to have it skimmed over.

I ve got some Artex in my hallway from about 25+ years ago I hate it but like Kittye I can’t go through the process of having it removed, so will live with it I never knew it was dangerous, anyway I m still alive after 25 years so guess I m ok

They don't remove it, just skim over it with plaster.

No one's skimming over my nice ceilings.

Are they patterned?
Mine are just stippled.
The walls though..
It look like 20 or so toddlers spent an afternoon finger painting.

Mine are just stippled. They are painted every time we decorate.

A lot of people can't stand artex, but I don't mind it too much.
I quite like a bit of texture.
That said, a change would be lovely.

I’ve lived in houses with artex and been happy about it.
However when we walked into this one the artex was awful.
Each room a different pattern. We didn’t move in until about 2 months after we bought it so had it all removed. The plasterer didn’t mention anything about asbestos when he did it or seem to take any special precautions.
The rooms feel so much bigger.
We’ve only been here 12years so it appears that we’re safe. Thank goodness we don’t need to worry about that.
Quite honestly I’m amazed anyone is alive and well these days.

Daughter's present house has artex in a swirly pattern in the bedroom. She hates it (so do I).

I didn't have it removed when I moved into this house. I just hoped that Artex would come back into fashion someday! I hasn't yet.

Have no Artex here, but had some in many houses in the past, and must say I liked it ( unfashionable of me I know )
Have never heard of it not being safe.

It's only recently that I've realised that our ceilings are a bit different from most others.

Its fine so long as she is careful about what she does DIY wise

The house we moved into 2 years ago, 1970s property, has artex on all the ceilings which I didn't like. I looked into having it removed and was told it contained asbestos so there would be problems removing it as its ok until disturbed. I too couldn't face the upheaval at the time of skimming. Have kinda got used to it now but will gradually have the ceilings skimmed as I redecorate.