EPA Reaches Settlement with Pangea Real Estate for Alleged Lead Violations at Rental Units in Chicago and Calumet City
CHICAGO (Sept. 27, 2024) — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a settlement with Pangea Real Estate to resolve alleged violations of the lead disclosure rule at residential properties in Chicago and Calumet City, Illinois. The settlement requires the company to address the alleged violations, pay a $40,000 penalty and perform projects to abate lead hazards in a Chicago building owned by Pangea and in child-occupied facilities or pre-1978 residential properties in Chicago and Chicago suburbs. Pangea will spend at least $384,350 to complete these supplemental environmental projects.
EPA alleged that Pangea did not provide required information about lead-based paint hazards to prospective tenants in 30 rental properties. EPA cited the company for the following violations:
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Failure to provide the required lead warning statement.
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Failure to disclose the presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards.
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Failure to provide required information about lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards.
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Failure to certify the accuracy of the information provided.
Federal regulations require owners, lessors, and agents to provide prospective tenants or purchasers with all records relating to lead-based paint hazards before entering into a lease or sales contract for a pre-1978 residential property. Providing this information is critical to protect children from exposure to potential lead hazards.
The residences are in communities with potential environmental justice concerns. Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
For more information about EPA’s enforcement program, visit the agency’s website.
For more information about lead-based paint hazards, visit EPA’s website.
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