Lead; Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program

Pillar To Post: EPA Renovators, Remodelers and Painters Rule

In 1992 Congress enacted the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (Title X of Public Law 102-550) to limit exposure of humans, especially children, to lead based paint hazards. Section 1018 of Title X regulates disclosure of lead-based paint in sales and lease transactions involving pre-1978 residential properties. On April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. This would impose increased regulatory burdens and costs on property managers and Realtors with property management responsibilities. How does this affect you as a Realtor®? Pursuant to Section 1018, you are required to: (1) Obtain information from a seller regarding the known existence of lead-based paint in a home; and (2) Provide information regarding the hazards of lead-based paint in the home. Failure to comply with this rule could result in warnings and monetary fines. What is the position of NAR's on the issue?: NAR opposes mandatory testing for lead-based paint tied to the transaction process and supports property condition disclosure and education. These are adequately covered under the provisions of Section 1018 as stated above. Additional Resources: The realtor.com website has an interesting collection of FAQ's on the issue presented as a series of short videos. These can be accessed by clicking on the link below: http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/lead_paint_realtors_faq The main page for information on the NAR website is: http://www.realtor.org/leadpaint Please contact your local Pillar To Post office for additional information on the hazards associated with lead based paint. Thomas Recke ASHI, EDI Lead Paint Testing and Residential & Commercial Building Inspections, EIFS/Stucco Inspections, EDR Environmental Reports, Water Quality Testing, IAQ/Mold Testing thomas.recke@pillartopost.com www.pillartopost.com/aurora (303) 337-6713