NAR has received information that the Environmental Protection Agency may be stepping up its enforcement of lead paint disclosure laws. It is important for all real estate professionals to understand this law and how to comply with it.
Congress passed the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, also known as Title X, to protect families from exposure to lead from paint, dust, and soil. Section 1018 of this law directed HUD and EPA to require the disclosure of known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before the sale or lease of most housing built before 1978.
Enforcement of this law is conducted under Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which gives the EPA authority to inspect, subpoena documents, require testimony from real estate professionals, and bring civil administrative actions and fines against.
NAR, the EPA and HUD all have resources to help members comply with this law:
NAR: https://www.nar.realtor/lead-based-paint#section-166042
EPA: https://www.epa.gov/lead/real-estate-disclosures-about-potential-lead-hazards
HUD: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/healthy_homes/enforcement/disclosure
