Duplex with lead in soil

[Lesley M.]

Hi there. My fiancé and I are looking to purchase a duplex in San Francisco to live in one unit and rent the other. We’ve looked at several properties over the last 3 years. We found one that is in move in ready and in a neighborhood we like.

However, the disclosures show high lead in the soil. In 2020, the house was being painted and tenants complained about lead. The soil was tested and showed 100 mg/kg. The owner’s response was to cover the backyard with plastic and bark chips.

Now, our realtor is significantly downplaying it. She says that lead paint is super common in San Francisco and we can cover the backyard with Astro turf. How severe is this? If we have kids, I’m assuming they can’t play outside? I’m assuming that if we remodel, we will be put at risk?

[Tom Fidrych]

I'd ask the sellers to clean it up as part of the negotiation process. Since those lead numbers are on the books, the disclosure will follow you and you may be required to clean it at some point. If this deal doesn't go through, find another realtor as It seems they are representing their financial interest more than yours.