Lead Information for Landlords
As a landlord or property manager, you play an important role in protecting the health of your tenants and their children.
You are responsible for maintaining their property, including painted surfaces that may contain lead. Additionally, federal law sets disclosure requirements and safe work practices for lead- based paint. Safe work practices are very important when it comes to preventing your tenants (especially children) from being exposed to large amounts of dangerous lead dust!
The EPA’s Real Estate Lead Disclosure Rule
To make sure everyone is aware of the possible hazards associated with lead paint, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that property managers and landlords of buildings that were built before 1978 provide a few different pieces of information to prospective tenants. Landlords of pre-1978 buildings must provide:
- The EPA's Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home website
- Share any known information about lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards in the building
- Must have a lead disclosure attachment in the lease or language inserted into the lease that includes a “Lead Warning Statement” and confirms that the landlord has complied with all notification requirements.
For more information, check out the EPA’s website about real estate lead disclosure requirements.
The EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule
Another way the EPA protects tenants and renters from lead exposure is through the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP Rule).
The RRP Rule requires that contractors performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and/or pre-schools built before 1978 be certified by the EPA (or an EPA authorized state). This means if you hire someone to do work on your units, they must use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers and follow lead-safe work practices. This includes landlords who are performing renovations themselves.
Visit the EPA’s page about the RRP Rule for Property Managers and Landlords.
Need to find a local certified lead-safe renovator and/or contractor for your property? Search the EPA’s database of lead-safe professionals.
Where to File a Report if these Rules are Violated
If you think that someone has not followed the EPA’s disclosure or RRP rules, a complaint can be filed with the EPA through their Contact Us about Lead page.
Allegheny Lead Safe Homes Program
There is currently funding available in Allegheny County for landlords, renters, and homeowners who need assistance making their property lead safe. The Allegheny Lead Safe Homes Program provides free home repairs to keep families safe from lead paint. Want to apply? Call 412-227-5700.
To be eligible, families must:
- Be homeowners or renters in Allegheny County
- Live in a home built before 1978
- Have a child under 6 who lives in or regularly visits the home OR a pregnant woman who lives in the home
- Meet applicable income limits
The Program provides the following services free of charge to eligible families:
- Lead paint testing throughout your home
- Home repairs to address all lead hazards
- Lead safety education
Want to see if you qualify? Call 412-227-5700.