Childhood Lead Prevention Program: Property Owners and Managers Information

What are you required to do when renting out a pre-1979 homes?

Notification Requirement

Federal Law requires property owners of pre-1978 dwellings to:

1. Disclose in writing any known lead-based paint and related hazards before selling or renting any housing built before 1978, using USEPA's Lead Disclosure Form.
2. Provide prospective buyers or tenants with a copy of the USEPA pamphlet, Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home.
3. Both the property owner and the buyer/renter must sign an acknowledgement of receipt of these two documents, which the owner keeps on file.



Prohibition of Lead Hazards

San Francisco's Health and Building Codes specify that building owners must assume that any home built before 1979 contains lead-based paint:

1. It is illegal for property owners to allow lead hazards to exist on their property.
2. Any repair, remodeling or renovation work on pre-1978 buildings must be done using lead-safe work practices.
3. Anyone who does work that disturbs lead-based paint must be trained and have a USEPA Lead-Safe Renovator Certification.



Local Enforcement

The SF Department of Public Health Childhood Lead Prevention Program inspects for lead hazards in homes and other sites where children under six years of age spend time or could be exposed to lead hazards. Property owners will be required to safely repair any hazards that have been identified as a result of an inspection by the Childhood Lead Prevention Program.

This Frequently Asked Questions document gives resources to help residential rental property owners fulfill their responsibilities to maintain rental properties free of lead hazards. This May 2009 article, "Don't Dread Lead," published by the San Francsico Apartment Association, informs property owners how to easily comply with a Childhood Lead Prevention Program notice of violation.

What are you required to do when renovating a building?

Requirement for Lead-Safe Work Practices

1. If you have not done so, provide residential tenants with the US EPA pamphlet, Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home, before work begins.


2. Specify to all contractors hired that any repair, remodeling or renovation work on pre-1978 buildings must be done using lead-safe work practices that comply with Federal, State and Local codes. This USEPA Renovate Right pamphlet provides general information about egal requirements for safe lead practices for homeowners, tenants, child care providers and parents during renovation activities.


3. Ask for proof from anyone that you hire who will disturb lead-based paint that they have a USEPA Lead-Safe Renovator Certification. This USEPA Truth About Lead Paint Poisoning brochure relays information about the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule for Property Managers.


4. For extensive renovation and repair work that disturbs lead-based paint, hire a contractor who is also a State-certified lead professional.


5. See Resources below to find qualified contractors.



Local Enforcement

The SF Department of Building Inspection Housing Inspection Services inspects for unsafe work practices when disturbing paint on the exterior of a pre-1979 building or structure, and in the interior of a pre-1979 residential rental property or one used for child care. The SF Building Code specifies that you must notify residential occupants at least 3 days before work begins and must provide specific signage to the public warning them of the work in progress. This brochure describes SF Building Code requirements for lead-safe work practices and this webpage provides all the materials needed to comply with the SF Building Code.

Resources

1. Find a USEPA Lead Safe Renovator


2. Find a California Department of Public Health-certified Lead Professional


3. Mayor's Office of Housing: Provides grants for lead hazard remediation of multi-unit and single family properties.


4. Department of Building Inspection Housing Inspection Services: Enforces lead-safe work practices in all pre-1979 structures.


5. San Francisco Rent Board: Can provide information and support in cases of landlord-tenant disputes.