Buildings constructed before 1978 are very likely to contain lead-based paint, a hazard that many homeowners are aware of. However, single-family homes are not the only buildings at risk. Multi-family housing holds the same potential danger, making it imperative that property managers and landlords are educated about lead paint removal or abatement.
Whether you are a landlord with a single home, duplex, or triplex; an onsite manager of an apartment building; or a property manager for a multi-family housing company, keep reading to learn what you need to know about lead paint in residential property management.
Lead Paint and Property Management
Dangers of Lead Paint
There’s a reason—or rather, many reasons—why lead paint was effectively outlawed in 1978. Lead exposure can lead to serious health problems in people of all ages, but is especially harmful to child development. Some of the effects of lead poisoning include:
- Childhood growth delays
- Low IQ, behavioral problems, and learning disabilities in children
- Abdominal pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss
- Muscle weakness and discoordination
- Seizures, cognitive impairment, coma
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Hearing loss
- Irritability, depression, and mood disorders
- Pica (eating things that are not food)
Disclosure of Lead Paint Risk to Tenants
As you can see, the dangers of lead paint are serious, which is why the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 was passed. The law requires anyone who is selling or leasing a dwelling to disclose known information on lead-based paint and its hazards prior to sale or lease. Failure to do so can result in fines, liability for harm to renters, and even jail time.
So, what must you do as a landlord or property manager to keep your tenants safe and protect yourself from liability? Currently, there is no legal obligation to remove lead paint, but you must provide information and disclosure documents as outlined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You can find the lead paint guidelines for property managers and landlords on the EPA website.
Removing Lead Paint from Rental Properties
While lead paint remediation is not mandatory, many property managers and landlords choose to go this route, both for peace of mind and for economic reasons. Having lead paint professionally removed or stabilized (encapsulated) can be a selling point to potential tenants, especially for families with young children. In general, consumers are more aware than ever of environmental hazards and are looking for safe solutions, from low-VOC paints to organic produce.
If you’re looking for lead paint removal or any other environmental hazard services, contact Clean Environmental Group. We have been helping Atlanta property owners with asbestos, mold, and lead removal for over 25 years, as well as providing historic restoration and demolition services. Our team is trained and certified in state and federal environmental remediation, and we are constantly evolving to provide the most up-to-date best practices in the field. Contact us at the link above for a FREE estimate, or call us at 678-807-7900.