If you're a landlord leasing a property built before 1978, you will likely need a Lead Disclosure Statement. Older homes are full of character and charm, but they may have lead-based paint. If you know, or suspect, that the property has lead-based paint, you can use a Lead Disclosure Statement to limit your liability. A Lead Disclosure Statement is required by law, and can help you avoid a penalty.
Use the Lead Disclosure Statement document if:
You're a landlord leasing property built before 1978.
You've fallen in love with a rental property built before 1978 and want to rent it.
In addition to the Lead Disclosure Statement, landlords must also provide a tenant with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) pamphlet entitled "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home." The regulation does not require the landlord to have the property inspected, but only to disclose information they may already have about lead in the property. The landlord and tenant (and agent, if involved) signing a lease are required to sign the Lead Disclosure Statement, and the landlord must retain the signed form for at least three years as proof that they have followed the rules. Other names for this document: Lead Warning and Disclosure Statement, Lead Paint Disclosure Form, Lead Disclosure