Now I have to carry an EPA certification?

By
Real Estate Agent with Realty Executives

I was shocked to find out that I have a very small window in which to obtain certification by the EPA for lead based paint. I'm not an inspector? The deadline ladies and gents is April 22, 2010. As I read up on this new regulation and was made painfully aware that the liquidated damages for non-compliance was $37,000.00 a day! This is very serious as agents, brokers, property managers and contractors are now required to get this certification if they deal with or manage homes built prior to 1978. The following is a 17 minute video about the requirements and how they affect you.

 

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Information for Realtors and Property Management Firms

Realtors and property managers should make themselves aware of the requirements in the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. EPA is working closely with the National Association of Realtors to make realtors and property managers aware of the hazards of lead paint poisoning and ways to prevent it, and the association has developed a series of guidance videos aimed at realtors and property managers:

 

· View the National Association of Realtors lead paint renovation rule compliance guide overview

· View the National Association of Realtors lead renovation rule guide for real estate agents and brokers

· View the National Association of Realtors frequently asked questions for realtors

• View the National Association of Realtors lead renovation rule guide for property managers

 

Under the rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. CLICK HERE for a complete outline of the EPA's new requirements.

To become certified, property owners must submit an application for firm certification (PDF) (9 pp, 642K) and fee payment to EPA. EPA will begin processing applications on October 22, 2009. The Agency has up to 90 days after receiving a complete request for certification to approve or disapprove the application.

Posted by

Chris Faircloth, Realtor

Realty Executives

757-288-0983 Cell

AgentFaircloth@gmail.com

www.ChrisFaircloth.com

www.aShoreThingblog.com

Comments (4)

Raylene Estabrook
Signature Homes Real Estate Group - Yarmouth, ME

Thanks for the reminder and the link.

Mar 03, 2010 03:59 AM
Jody Lautenbach
Century 21 Premier Associates - Pella, IA

Great information - so much to do these days!

Mar 03, 2010 04:36 AM
David Saks
Memphis, TN
Broker / Industry Analyst

Why would a sales agent be required to submit an application for certification if your not involved in contracting or removal operations ? If you listed a home built before 1978 would you need certification to sell ? What about certification to list ?

Mar 03, 2010 04:36 AM
Anonymous
Chris Faircloth

David, it is crazy. They are even requiring that the homeowner that has a you child who contracts to renovate that would disturb the paint, confirm that the contracter carries the EPA certification.

As property managers / realtors if we participate in overseeing the repair/renovation work that consists of more than 6 square feet, then we are required to be EPA certified, and to confirm that the contractors doing the work are also EPA certified.

Makes you wonder... doesn't it... No you dont' need the certification to list, but who knows where this could lead.

Mar 03, 2010 05:33 AM
#4