Homeowners, Landlords and Tenants

Homeowners, Landlords and Tenants

Homeowners: 

Lead exposure in homes built before 1978 is often caused by lead-based paint and dust.  To prevent lead poisoning exposure in your home, take the following steps:

  1. Identify and address lead hazards:
    •  Inspect your home: If you suspect your home has lead-based paint, have it inspected and assess for lead hazards.  Be aware, New York State law requires sellers to disclose information about any known lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards before selling a home. 
    • Repair or remove lead hazards: Address any peeling or chipped paint immediately. If completing work, be aware of lead-safe renovation practices or consider hiring a certified lead-safe contractor. 
  2. Take precautions during renovations:
    • Hire certified contractors: If you plan to renovate or remodel, ensure any work involving lead-based paint is done by certified contractors. 
    • Seal off work areas: During renovations, seal off areas where lead-based paint is disturbed to prevent the spread of lead dust. 
  3. Keep your home clean:
    • Encourage frequent hand washing, especially before meals and bedtime. 
    • Wipe down surfaces, especially those children frequently touch, with a wet cloth and cleaning solution. 
    • Take off shoes before entering the house to prevent tracking in lead-contaminated soil. 
    • Wash toys and other items children frequently handle.
  4. Test for lead:
    • Test your home: If your home was built before 1978, you may qualify for a free home lead assessment.
    • Test your water: If your home has older plumbing, have your water tested for lead. 
    • Test your children: Talk to your doctor or the Livingston County Department of Health about testing your child for lead poisoning, especially if they are at risk. 

Landlords/Tenants:

In New York, landlords must report known lead-based paint hazards in rental units and provide tenants with information about lead poisoning prevention. This information is required to protect tenants from lead poisoning, which can be especially harmful to children and pregnant women. 

What must be reported?

  • The location of lead-based paint and hazards.
  • The condition of painted surfaces.
  • Records and reports on lead-based paint.
  • A lead warning statement in the lease.
  • An EPA-approved pamphlet on lead poisoning prevention.

When is information-sharing on lead based paint required?

  • For most private housing, public housing, and federally owned housing built before 1978. 
  • For properties where a child under six years old lives. 

What must landlords do if lead is found? 

  • Safely remove or cover the lead paint using methods approved by the EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule.
  • Keep detailed records of all inspections, discovery of lead-based paint and remediation efforts.

What are the consequences of not reporting lead-based paint? 

  • Landlords may be subject to penalties for not disclosing lead-based paint hazards.

If you live in the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming) region, you may be eligible for a free home lead inspection and assistance with lead-based paint home improvements.  Contact the Livingston County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program with any questions or to obtain more information.


Know your rights