Laws in a Nutshell
Lead-Based Paint
Laws: The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992
Major provisions:
- Applies to houses and apartments built before 1978.
- Requires owners and their agents to disclose the known presence of lead-based paint on properties being sold or leased and to provide any available reports pertaining to lead-based paint hazards.
- Requires owners' agents to give all prospective buyers or renters a copy of the federal pamphlet, Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home. It's available in several languages at the EPA Web site.
- Makes salespeople responsible for obtaining a signed acknowledgement that the pamphlet was received and for keeping that acknowledgment for three years as proof of compliance.
- Gives buyers 10 days to have an inspection of the property for lead paint.
- Does not require that owners test for the presence of lead paint.
Maryland:
- Maryland Department of the Environment – Lead Paint Resources for Property Owners
More resources:
- The Environmental Protection Agency
- The National Lead Information Center
- Lead Paint Disclosure: It's the Law - REALTOR® University Course
