Does the new Lead Paint law apply to you?

National Real Estate Investors Association

Q: Does the New Lead Paint Law (and the ruinous fines) apply to you?

A: ABSOLUTELY!

You may or may not have heard about the law which went into effect on April 22, 2010. Simply stated, if paint is being “disturbed” in a home or apartment built before 1978, and it tests positive for lead, the law is triggered. Violations from the EPA can be as much as $37,500 per violation/per day. Yes, $37,500! In some parts of the country, the laws are even stricter and are administered by the state.

Many property managers and property management companies who have heard about this law think that it only applies to contractors. Wrong! Landlords will be a prime target of the EPA and state enforcement agencies.

Because you are collecting rent, dollars are being exchanged and that triggers the law and puts the burden on you and your company. Whether you are remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, replacing windows, or doing any type of work that is disturbing 6 or more square feet of interior space, or 20 square feet on the exterior, the law applies. And this can even include changing carpeting even when the unit is empty.

When people learn everything’s that’s involved with this law, the most common reaction is that of being totally “overwhelmed,” according to Paul E. Toub, vice president of marketing for Kachina Lead Paint Solutions. Kachina is a one-stop source for everything from training to the proper business protocol to the right equipment and supplies for ensuring “lead safe work practices” are followed.

Paul will be hosting a very special webinar just for our members and will explain everything you need to know to be in compliance. There are a number of steps…registering your company with the EPA or specific state, determining which employees should be trained to be Certified Renovators, hiring the right outside companies (contractors and sub-subcontractors), ensuring that you have the proper paper trail and the most cost-efficient methods of protecting your workers and their families.

Just one incident involving a child or pregnant woman who believes that you may be at fault for causing lead paint poisoning could obviously be detrimental to your business and reputation. It’s not worth the risk and as the old expression goes, “Ignorance in no defense.” Therefore, we urge you to attend this webinar to ensure that you have the right information to make the right business decisions to protect your most valuable asset – your business.