Trouble with Pre-1979 as rentals?

Question

i've been trying to get into rentals in Durham/Raleigh in North Carolina, however most of the places are pre 1978 (and therefore have to have lead disclosure forms).  Does this make it harder to rent? what about elsewhere in the country?

Michael Noto · Answer

@Chris Co Almost all of the properties we rent out or sell for clients and our own rentals here in Connecticut were built pre-1978. Because that is the case the tenants and buyers know the LBP disclosure is coming and there is no pushback to it whatsoever. It's the norm.

What is the norm for your area? Are there a lot of post '78 houses?

What is the norm for your area?  Are there a lot of post '78 houses?

Ray Harrell · Answer

If you are renting to Section 8 tenants, even if there is a small chip of pain, they will fail your inspection, regardless to whether it's been tested as having lead or not. This is the one thing that cost me thousands in repairs during Section 8 inspections.

Lynn McGeein · Answer

Just be cautious about it.   Many older homes do not have lead paint.  In MD, they are much more stringent than Raleigh, so I had a '70s home XRF tested to determine lead-free before purchasing it as otherwise it would have required registration and testing between tenants.  I found a licensed inspector that also did home inspections and gave a discount for both together.   If you don't want to go that route, just ensure no peeling paint, no major renovations that would require lead-certified contractors or plan for extra costs in your offer, etc.   I don't believe  Raleigh has the required registration and testing, but worth checking out to make sure.

Account Closed · Answer

Was never a problem in the apartment building I managed.  It was built around 1920, converted to apartments after the 2nd world war, around 1940.  The old lead paint had been painted over many times, the old asbestos had either been removed or hadn't been disturbed or was covered, etc., for many years.  This was in CA.  The form here just says you're not aware of any lead hazards or asbestos hazards, etc., but that you need to inform tenants that there may be some because of the age of the building.  It was never a problem for us.  We just gave out the state required forms and filled out the section saying we weren't aware of any danger, etc.

Derreck Wells · Answer

I'm MA you can not rent to a family with a child under 6 unless you have a lead certificate on file with the state. You would be fined by the state and sued by the tenant. You also can't deny a family because there's lead paint. That would be discrimination. You have to delead. Every state is different, never take lead paint advice from someone out of your state. Look up your state laws, just Google "(your state) lead paint laws and learn them.

Dawn Brenengen · Answer

@Chris Co There isn't much issue specific to NC in regards to LBP.  You just have to give a disclosure that the home was built before 1978 and it MAY have LBP.  That's it...

Matthew Tringali · Answer

@Chris Co , no, really no difference whatsoever.  You just have to make sure to have your proper documentation.  We have an office in Raleigh / Cary, so feel free to reach out with any specific scenarios anytime!

Gail K. · Answer

All my rentals are pre-1978 and lead testing is not required here.  I routinely pass out the lead information booklet and have the tenants sign the disclosure forms.  Never had an issue with it.  Quite honestly, since I find many booklets upon tenant move out I suspect most don't read the information I give them.

Gail

Michael Noto · Answer

@Jason A. It all depends on the client and the type of financing they have.

Jason A. · Answer

@Michael Noto - Hey Michael, do you recommend testing for lead paint when purchasing pre-1978? I ask because I was told that "no one" does it.

This is specific to Connecticut to the extent it matters.

Thanks.

Trouble with Pre-1979 as rentals?

Most Popular Reply