Federal lead laws
Several federal laws exist to raise awareness and protect families from exposure to lead from paint, dust, and soil, including Title X of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act and the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting rule.
The laws require a property owner or seller to disclose known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards to new tenants and/or buyers before the sale or lease of housing built before 1978. The rule affects most private housing, public housing, federally-owned housing, and housing receiving federal assistance. Title X, of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, however, does not require property owners to inspect for lead before renting or selling the property.
The EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
In addition, federal law states that all at-risk children be tested for lead in their blood. All children receiving Medicaid must receive a blood test.
Below are links to the text of Title X and relevant provisions related to disclosure, notification, and hazard education prior to renovation.
Links to federal lead laws
- Full text of Title X
- Full text of Section 1018 of Title X Requirements for the Disclosure of Known Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing
- Sections 1012 and 1013 (see pages 7–11) Requirements for the Notification, Evaluation, and Reduction of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Federally Owned Residential Property and Housing Receiving Federal Assistance
- Summary of the Lead-Safe Housing Rule requirements
- Rules Regarding Title IV, Section 403 Identification of Dangerous Levels of Lead
- Rules Regarding Title IV, Section 406(b) Requirements for Hazard Education before Renovation of Target Housing
- Title IV, Section 402 Training and Certification Programs for Lead-Based Paint Activities in Target Housing and Child Occupied Facilities
- U.S. Fair Housing Act
Links to Federal disclosure requirements and supporting documents
- Overview of the notification law and its requirements
- Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home
- Sample Disclosure Form for Sellers:
- Sample Disclosure Form for Landlords: