Are You Planning to Buy or Rent a Home Built
Before 1978?
Did you know that many homes built before 1978 have lead-based
paint? Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health
hazards.
Read this entire brochure to learn:
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How lead gets into the body
About health effects of lead
What you can do to protect your family
Where to go for more information
Before renting or buying a pre-1978 home or apartment, federal
law requires:
• Sellers must disclose known information on lead-based paint or leadbased paint hazards before selling a house.
• Real estate sales contracts must include a specific warning statement
about lead-based paint. Buyers have up to 10 days to check for lead.
• Landlords must disclose known information on lead-based paint
and lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect. Leases must
include a specific warning statement about lead-based paint.
If undertaking renovations, repairs, or painting (RRP) projects in
your pre-1978 home or apartment:
• Read EPA's pamphlet, The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right,
to learn about the lead-safe work practices that contractors are
required to follow when working in your home (see page 12).
