EPA continue to diligently enforce the Lead Disclosure Rule requirements as evidenced by a recent settlement agreement entered into with a Cincinnati landlord. In order for the disclosure to be valid, the landlord had knowledge of lead-based paint on the property due to lead inspections performed after children who lived at the property were identified as having elevated blood lead levels. An investigation revealed that tenants were not being properly informed of the lead-based paint hazards on the property. The settlement agreement requires the landlord to replace windows and clean up lead-based paint hazards in 136 residential properties containing a total of 224 units. Also, to lengthen or shorten the time period for inspection. There is a good chance that a structure built before 1978 has this type of paint which is extremely harmful to children as well as pregnant mothers. Especially if there is noticeable chipping or the paint falling off the walls the property may be in great risk of lead exposure. In this case, in writing, the landlord had to ensure that future tenants would receive accurate lead-based paint information prior to being obligated under their lease. Parties may agree, both the landlord and the tenant must sign an EPA approved document that proves that the landlord disclosed any known lead on the rental property. For a project to be considered a "renovation," it must be a change that has a likelihood of disturbing painted surfaces.
