Pre-1978 Lead-Safe Coordination
Federal lead paint regulations carry serious penalties for violations, including fines up to $37,500 per incident. A landlord renting older homes near downtown got sued by a tenant whose child tested positive for elevated lead levels. The property owner hadn’t provided proper disclosures or used certified contractors for renovation work. The case cost him over $100,000 in settlements and legal fees.
Our pre-1978 lead-safe coordination handles EPA compliance for rental properties built before 1978. These properties require specific disclosures, safe work practices during renovations, and careful attention to lead hazards throughout the tenancy. The rules are federal law and apply regardless of local regulations.
The coordination starts with proper disclosure during tenant placement. Every lease for a pre-1978 property must include EPA’s lead disclosure form, information about lead hazards, and available testing results. Our residential lease preparation includes these documents automatically for older properties, but we also educate tenants about the risks and prevention strategies.
Indianapolis has many pre-1978 rental properties, particularly in established neighborhoods like Broad Ripple, Fountain Square, and older sections of Lawrence. These homes often make excellent rentals due to larger lot sizes, solid construction, and desirable locations. But they require extra compliance attention that newer properties don’t need.
We also maintain detailed records of all lead-related documentation. Disclosure forms, contractor certifications, testing results, and remediation records all get filed and organized. If a compliance question arises years later, having complete documentation protects you from penalties and liability.