Derreck Wells

I'm a 50 year old, self-employed, licensed Lead Abatement Specialist (de-leader). Experience: Lead paint can be a scary subject when buying rental properties. The state of Massachusetts has mandated that a property owner can't rent an apartment built before 1978 to a family with a child under 7. It is also illegal to discriminate against a family for having a child under 7, even if it's because you know there's lead paint in the unit. The only safe course of action for a property owner is to obtain a lead certificate. The benefits of legal deleading are many. Not only are you protected from lawsuits that can cost you your property or even millions of dollars in judgments, but you also get the added benefit of being able to advertise your units as being lead safe, thus bringing in a higher monthly rent over the standard "I don't know if there's lead, sign this disclosure." rental units. Which is actually illegal if they have a family and doesn't protect you!!! You need a Lead Certificate to be protected! The deleading process isn't that difficult. I've outlined it below. 1. Obtain a lead inspection. I have an Inspector I like to use, he's inexpensive and will get us in his schedule quickly, but you are free to call anyone you like. 2. Give us a copy of the inspection. You can have the inspector email me a copy. At this point I can give you an estimated cost of deleading. 3. If you approve of the estimate, I'll need to see the property and view all the units that need lead abatement. I'll work up a materials list based on the best method of deleading each component. This process can take up to 2 hours, you do not need to be present for this. 4. I'll then write up a contract with a firm proposal for the deleading and get it to you within 24 hours of my walkthrough. 5. Upon signing of the contract and paying of the deposit, I will issue the required 10-day notification or waiver to the agencies involved (the local and State Board of Health, etc..) 6. When the required waiting period has expired, we will begin work. The duration of the project will vary based on the amount of components that need to be deleaded. Depending on the scope of work, the tenants may need to be relocated until the final inspection is completed. It's best to delead when the unit is vacant, it is less work for us, therefore less expense for you. 7. Once the work is complete, the inspector comes back in and reinspects to be sure all work is up to code. At this time, he also takes dust wipe tests of the units. These wipes get sent to a lab for independent analysis. Upon approval from the lab, the units pass the inspection, and a Lead Certificate is issued. You are now legal to rent the unit to any family that passes your approval process! Real Estate Goals: To break into the flipping "game" and build myself a retirement fund. I'd like to end up with 10 or so 2-4 family rentals that I can maintain as my retirement. I've been following the RE market for 25 years, but was never in the position to jump in. Currently Seeking: Knowledge. Networks. Investors.