Lead-Based Paint
Renter Answers

When renting a home or apartment, you may be given a brochure regarding lead-based paint. Rental owners and property managers who provide you with such information are complying with a federal law to protect you from harmful exposure to lead, which may be present in the paint of homes or apartments built before 1978. 
        
Fortunately, paint containing lead has been banned for nearly 30 years, so many properties do not pose this health risk. In addition, lead usually is not a hazard as long as the paint remains in good condition.
        
It is when painted surfaces are scraped or sanded during any repainting or remodeling that potentially harmful dust may become airborne and eventually find its way into the human body. In addition, small children may chip or chew on painted surfaces containing lead and accidentally swallow some lead-based paint.
        
Simple precautions taken by you and your rental owner or manager should nearly eliminate the possibility of such exposure. Before you rent, you should ask about the age of the building and whether it contains any lead-based paint.
        
If the building was built before 1978, rental owners and property managers are required by federal law to inform you of any known information regarding lead-based paint at the property as well as provide you with an informational pamphlet.
        
Federal law also requires that you receive notification before certain types of renovation occurs at the property that disturbs any lead-based paint that is present. Contractors and employees used to perform such renovations must be properly certified to perform such work and follow the federal regulations.
        
Many rental owners have their properties inspected by a trained professional to determine whether lead-based paint is present and how to minimize any risk of exposure to their renters. Once a property has been certified as lead-free, it greatly reduces the paperwork and uncertainty associated with the lead hazard.
        
For more information about lead, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-5323. Information also is available on the Internet from the U.S Environmental Protection Agency web site at www.epa.gov/lead and the Alabama Department of Health Services web site at www.dhs.al.gov/childlead/. Lead disclosure forms, informational pamphlets and certification courses are available through the Rental Housing Association.