What information can I get about lead-based paint in a home before I buy or rent it?   

Answer: Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have some lead-based paint. Lead from paint chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly. Homebuyers and renters of most pre-1978 private, public, federally owned housing, and housing receiving federal assistance have the right to know whether lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards are present before signing a contract or lease. Before a homebuyer signs a contract for a housing sale or a renter signs a lease, federal law requires sellers and landlords, real estate agents, and property managers to:

• Disclose any known information about the presence of lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the housing being sold or rented
• Provide buyers and renters with all available records or reports on the presence of lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the home and building
• Give buyers and renters with a copy of the “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” pamphlet
• Provide a "Lead Warning Statement" to buyers or renters explaining, among other things, that lead from paint can pose health hazards if not managed properly. This can be an attachment to or as language inserted into the contract or lease 

In addition, sellers must give potential buyers an opportunity to check the home for lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards. To learn more about the requirements of the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule for real estate visit epa.gov/lead/real-estate-disclosure.

Question Number: 23002-21996

Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead.