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PA HOMEBUYERS' LEAD BASED PAINT RIGHT TO KNOW REQ. TAKE EFFEC

Release Date: 09/07/96
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PA HOMEBUYERS' LEAD BASED PAINT RIGHT TO KNOW REQ. TAKE EFFEC

FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1996

HOMEBUYERS' LEAD-BASED PAINT RIGHT-TO-KNOW REQUIREMENTS TAKE EFFECT

Effective today, families have the right to know about lead-based paint in homes they are buying or renting. Real estate agents and property owners with more than four residential dwellings (including single family homes) are required to provide buyers and new tenants with a pamphlet containing information necessary to protect families from lead-based paint hazards before a sale is closed or a rental agreement is signed. Today's effective date marks the first phase in a new federal lead program, created by EPA and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, to ensure families receive basic lead hazard exposure prevention information before purchasing or renting older housing. The new requirements apply to residences built before 1978, the year the sale of residential lead-based paint was banned. The program requires real estate agents and property owners to disclose to purchasers and new tenants all known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in a residence and provide them with the pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home." The pamphlet outlines practical, low-cost tips on identifying and controlling leadbased paint hazards. Property owners must also provide the same information to tenants renewing their leases after Sept. 6. Specific notification and disclosure language must be included in the contract or lease, along with signed statements from all parties verifying the requirements have been met. Home buyers will have a 10-day opportunity to conduct a lead-based paint inspection or risk assessment at their own expense before a contract is finalized. The second phase of the program takes effect Dec. 6, when property owners with four or fewer dwellings must comply. For a copy of the pamphlet, sample disclosure forms or the rule, call the National Lead Information Clearinghouse at 1-800-424-LEAD. The EPA pamphlet and rule are also available electronically through Internet at http://www.epa.gov.

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