ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, November 16, 1996 TAG: 9611180028
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MAG POFF STAFF WRITER
Anyone owning a house built before 1978 with plans to sell or lease it must comply with new federal lead-based paint regulations, according to rules taking effect next month.
The Virginia Association of Realtors said the new rules will take effect Dec. 6 for owners of one to four dwelling units. Sept. 6 was the compliance date for owners of more than four properties.
Properties that are leased for 100 days or less, without the possibility of renewal or extension, are exempt from the new standards.
Lead-based paint was banned for use in residential properties in 1978.
The rules require real estate agents, owners and lessors to ensure that those selling or leasing property must disclose the presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards.
In addition, the real estate trade group said, the rules require the seller or agent to distribute a federal lead hazard information pamphlet before any purchase offers or lease agreements can be accepted.
The pamphlets are available through the National Lead Information Center at (800) 424-LEAD or by calling the Virginia Department of Health's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at (804) 225-4455. Single copies are free.
Property owners must also provide copies of any records or prior test results pertaining to lead-based paint to purchasers or tenants. Purchasers must be allowed an optional 10-day opportunity to conduct a risk assessment or inspection of the property for lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards.
The regulations, provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, are designed to balance the need to protect the health and welfare of small children without undue governmental burden on families seeking to secure safe and affordable housing.
LENGTH: Short : 40 linesby CNB