Lead based paint
5 Replies
Some links on this page may be affiliate links, meaning BiggerPockets may earn a commission. Affiliate links do not reflect member endorsement.
Joe Ferrin from Boise, Idaho
posted over 1 year agoBiggerPockets Community, I need an opinion.
I am very new to real estate investing, in fact I am trying to land my first deal. I found a duplex that I am very interested in and the owner told me that since the house was built prior to 1978, lead based paint was found on the fascia. In 2008, she had the unit painted and the HUD certified. Should I be worried about lead based paint as a landlord? Is this something I need to disclose to future renters? Any advice on the issue is greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Joe
George P. Investor from Livonia, Michigan
replied over 1 year agoyes, you have to disclose.
worried about lead paint is like worrying about global warming. it's there, deal with it. (here come the critics)...
Chris Mason (Moderator) - Lender from Oakland, California
replied over 1 year agoHi @Joe Ferrin ,
Due to local politics, only about one in 20 homes that I lend on do NOT have lead based paint.
Everyone knows that you wear masks when working with sheetrock, that you instantly solve any issues of puppies or children chewing on corners, etc, and in generally everyone lives perfectly happy lives with the led based paint.
Rosston Smith from Macon, Georgia
replied over 1 year agoYes its alright. You do have to disclose, that's all. Also be careful and wear masks if you sand it.
Seiichi Ishikawa from Los Angeles, California
replied over 1 year agoIn California, if there the property was built prior to a specific year or if it could contain lead based paint, you must inform the renter and provide and information sheet. A local realtor can probably tell you if similar requirements exist. Or search for apt owners' associations in your area. They may have a database of forms for members to use.
Derreck Wells Professional from Pelham, New Hampshire
replied over 1 year agoThere's no specific state laws in Idaho yet about renting a home with Lead Paint other then the Federal disclosure laws, however, expect them to come in the future. The CDC has been working to identify high risk areas in Idaho http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2013/12_0273.htm
In MA it's illegal to rent to a family with a child under 7 unless you have a Lead Certificate on file with the state. There's no telling what level of legislation Idaho will adopt in the future, or when they will adopt it, but it's something to keep in mind when buying property there.
Good luck in your investing!
Free eBook from BiggerPockets!

Join BiggerPockets and get The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing for FREE - read by more than 100,000 people - AND get exclusive real estate investing tips, tricks and techniques delivered straight to your inbox twice weekly!
- Actionable advice for getting started,
- Discover the 10 Most Lucrative Real Estate Niches,
- Learn how to get started with or without money,
- Explore Real-Life Strategies for Building Wealth,
- And a LOT more.
Sign up below to download the eBook for FREE today!
We hate spam just as much as you
Join the Largest Real Estate Investing Community
Basic membership is free, forever.