Environmental Liability FAQs

This Is A Summary Page
The below topics are discussed in more depth
  on our members' Lead page.

Non-members' Homepage

When was lead-based paint prohibited?
What are a landlord's legal responsibilities for lead in rental property?
Are there penalties for noncompliance?

When was lead-based paint prohibited?

Lead paint was banned for use in European housing more than sixty years ago. The use of lead to raise the octane in gasoline and the manufacture and use of lead-based paint in housing was finally prohibited in the U.S. in 1978.

What are a landlord's legal responsibilities for lead in rental property?

      Before signing a lease or rental agreement, a landlord has been required to give every new tenant since 1997 the EPA pamphlet, Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home . Both the landlord and tenant are also required to sign an EPA-approved disclosure form that will prove that the landlord told the tenants about any known lead-based paint or hazards. The required lead documents are available to members in the Forms Web .

Are there penalties for noncompliance?

       Property owners who fail to comply with EPA regulations face penalties of up to $10,000 for each violation and treble damages if a tenant is injured by the owner's willful non-compliance.

For more information on Title X regulations, contact the National Lead Clearinghouse at 800-424-LEAD.

For information on asbestos call OSHA at (202) 219-8148 or check OSHA's Internet World Wide Web site at http://www.OSHA. gov .

The above topics are discussed in more depth
  on our members' Lead page.

Non-members' Homepage