Buying, Selling Or Renting A Property Affected By Lead Based Paints

Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly.

Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renting, buying or renovating pre-1978 housing:

• Landlords have to disclose known information on lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect.
• Leases must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint.
  Sellers have to disclose known information on lead-based paint hazards before selling a house.
• Sales contracts must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint. Buyers have up to 10 days to check for lead hazards.