Is lead inspection necessary?

A. It is recommended to have a lead-based paint test for homes built prior to 1978, but it may not be necessary. Even at low levels, the lead found in lead-based paint can be hazardous, and has been tied to multiple health problems, particularly for young children (under 6) and pregnant women.

Is lead-based paint disclosure required?

The law requires anyone selling or leasing single- and multi-family housing units built before 1978 to disclose information about lead-based paint hazards to prospective buyers or tenants. Such disclosure must be made before a tenant or a homebuyer signs a lease agreement or a real estate sales contract.

Do all houses built before 1978 have lead?

Any house or apartment built before 1978 could have lead paint. Houses and apartments built before 1960 have the most lead paint. This dust and paint chips can contain lead.

Do All old houses have lead paint?

The older your home or apartment is, the better the chances are that you will be exposed to lead—87 percent of all U.S. homes built before 1940 contain lead paint.

How is a lead inspection done?

A lead inspection simply checks surfaces both inside and outside of a home to identify where toxic lead paint is located. Inspectors will diligently examine problem areas along with areas that may be difficult to spot. While lead paint is harmful, it’s only dangerous when it’s disturbed or damaged.

Who is responsible for lead-based paint disclosure?

Landlords must give prospective tenants of target housing, including most buildings built before 1978: An EPA-approved information pamphlet on identifying and controlling lead-based paint hazards, Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home (PDF).

Is it OK to live in a house with lead paint?

(To be completely safe, you may want to consider treating any lead paint–covered surfaces, if you have children living in your home or visiting frequently.) Lead-based paint is most dangerous when it is deteriorating—peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, etc. Failure to follow these rules can lead to a hefty fine.

Should you waive a home inspection when buying a house?

In that case, waiving the inspection might make you a more attractive buyer from the seller’s standpoint, since the risk of a poor inspection won’t cause the sale to fall through. You may also consider waiving a home inspection if you know the house is a fixer-upper, the price is right, and you expect to do extensive repairs anyway.

Do I need a lead-based paint inspection before buying a home?

You are renting or buying a home. When buying a home, federal law allows the purchaser the opportunity to conduct testing to determine whether lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards are present. This is especially important if you have (or plan to have) young children in the home. Learn your rights before buying a home.

Do I need an inspection when selling a house?

In some cases sellers will have an inspection done before putting the home up for sale The buyer without an inspection loses the chance to have a professional overview of the home they are buying.

What is a leadan inspection?

An inspection is a surface-by-surface investigation to determine whether there is lead-based paint in a home or child-occupied facility, and where it is located. Inspections can be legally performed only by certified inspectors or risk assessors. Lead-based paint inspections determine the presence of lead-based paint.