The New Lead Paint Law - Who is Affected by It?
You may or may not know about the New Lead Paint Law that went into effect on April 22, 2010. It has not gotten much press since it does not have a direct impact on real estate professionals.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will now require that any renovation work that is performed on a home that was built prior to 1978 be done only by a certified contractor.
Contractors with plans to continue working on older homes need to get the training and certification necessary before doing so. The performance of renovation work on homes built prior to 1978 without the proper certification can result in fines that are equal to $37,500 per day.
The New Lead Paint Law applies only to contractors and renovators and not to the "do-it-yourselfers." They will still be able to perform RRP work without certification and without the fear of being fined.
How Does The New Lead Paint Law Impact Realtors®?
- There are really no new forms to fill out or any revisions necessary to the existing forms.
- Realtors® need to be aware of the qualifications of any contractors that they recommend to clients, particularly those clients with older homes.
- For agents who are property managers or property owners, they need to be trained in the new lead-safe work practices and need to make sure that anyone hired to do this type of renovation work is trained and certified.
There are several exceptions to the New Lead Paint Law right now:
- The dwelling was built after 1978.
- The work is of a minor nature - that is defined as work that is disturbing less than six square feet for an interior or less than 20 square feet for an exterior.
- The home tests lead free by a Certified Lead Paint Risk Assessor.
There has been much confusion about the new law and many people, including some contractors, are unaware of it. For further clarification on the New Lead Paint Law read more from NAR.
Copyright 2010 "The New Lead Paint Law - Who is Affected by It?"
Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, The Buyers' Counsel - (508) 881-6230
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