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How to Test for, Prevent, and Mitigate Lead Risk in Rentals



As a landlord, ensuring that your rental property is a safe and healthy environment for tenants is a top priority. One of the most serious health hazards found in homes is lead, particularly in older properties. Lead exposure, especially in children, can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and a host of other health problems. Federal, state, and local regulations have made it clear: landlords must take responsibility for identifying and addressing lead risks in their properties.

This guide will walk you through how to test for lead, steps to prevent exposure, and what to do if lead is found in your rental property.

Understanding Lead Risk in Rentals

Lead is most commonly found in properties built before 1978, when lead-based paint was banned for residential use. The most frequent sources of lead exposure in rentals include:

  • Lead-based paint

  • Contaminated soil

  • Lead in water due to old plumbing systems Even a small amount of lead exposure can be harmful, particularly to young children and pregnant women. As a result, landlords must follow strict rules to identify, disclose, and eliminate lead hazards in rental properties.

Federal and State Lead Laws

The federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule requires landlords to disclose any known information about lead-based paint or lead hazards before leasing pre-1978 rental properties. This includes:

  • Providing tenants with a copy of the EPA’s "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" pamphlet.

  • Disclosing any known lead-based paint in the property.

  • Including a lead disclosure form in the lease agreement.

At the state level, many regions have additional requirements, such as regular testing and stricter penalties for non-compliance. For example, Illinois has the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act, which mandates landlords to correct lead hazards when found and notify tenants of any potential risks. Local municipalities, such as Cook County, may also have more specific rules and enforcement mechanisms.

How to Test for Lead

Testing for lead is the first step to ensure your rental property is safe. There are three main ways to conduct a lead test:

  1. Certified Lead Inspections: Hiring a certified lead inspector is the most thorough way to determine if lead is present in your property. They will assess paint, dust, soil, and water.

  2. Do-It-Yourself Lead Testing Kits: These kits are available at most hardware stores and allow landlords to test surfaces for lead. However, the results may not be as reliable as a professional inspection.

  3. Water Testing: If your property has old plumbing, it’s crucial to test the water for lead. You can send water samples to a laboratory or purchase home test kits designed for lead detection in water.

Preventing Lead Exposure in Rentals

Prevention is key to minimizing lead risks. If your property was built before 1978 or you suspect lead hazards, here are some preventive measures to follow:

  • Regular Maintenance: Keep painted surfaces in good condition. Lead-based paint in good condition is less likely to pose a hazard.

  • Repair Damaged Paint: Immediately repair any chipping or peeling paint, as these are the primary sources of lead dust.

  • Encapsulation: For older homes, consider encapsulating lead-based paint by sealing it with a specialized coating that prevents the lead from becoming airborne.

  • Water Filtration: Install certified lead-reducing water filters if your plumbing contains lead pipes or fixtures.

What to Do if Lead is Found

If lead is discovered in your rental, it is your legal obligation to address the problem swiftly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to mitigate the risk:

  1. Notify Your Tenants: Inform tenants of the lead risk and the steps being taken to address it. Provide all necessary documentation, as required by law.

  2. Hire Certified Lead Abatement Professionals: Only licensed professionals should remove or repair lead-based paint and plumbing. Attempting to handle it yourself could spread lead dust and increase exposure.

  3. Follow Local Health Department Recommendations: If a local health department, such as the Cook County Department of Public Health, finds lead in your rental, they will provide specific guidelines on remediation. This could include lead removal, paint stabilization, or replacing contaminated soil or pipes.

  4. Clearance Testing: After remediation, a certified inspector should conduct a clearance test to ensure the lead hazard has been successfully addressed.

Case Study: Lead Found in a Rental

At this week’s meeting, we will review a real-life case from the Cook County Department of Public Health, where lead was discovered in a rental property. The landlord was required to immediately inform the tenant and take action to abate the lead hazard. The steps included hiring a lead abatement specialist, removing peeling lead-based paint, and replacing old plumbing that contained lead. Following the remediation, the property was retested to confirm that the lead hazard had been fully mitigated.

Conclusion Lead risk in rental properties is a serious issue that requires proactive steps from landlords to protect tenants’ health. By following federal, state, and local regulations, testing for lead regularly, and taking action when hazards are found, landlords can ensure their properties remain safe and compliant. Attend this week’s meeting to learn more about lead regulations and see an example of how lead issues are handled in real-world scenarios.

Taking these steps will not only protect your tenants but also shield you from liability and ensure the longevity of your rental property investments.

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