What are landlords required to do if lead is found in rental properties?

Landlords are required to disclose the presence of lead and its associated hazards found in rental properties to prospective tenants. This requirement is part of the federal Real Estate Notification and Disclosure Rule, which mandates that landlords provide certain information about lead-based paint in homes built before 1978 when lead paint was banned. This disclosure aims to inform tenants of potential health risks associated with lead exposure, particularly for children and pregnant women.

By informing tenants, landlords not only comply with legal obligations but also promote a safer living environment. This disclosure process includes providing tenants with a Lead Hazard Information pamphlet and any reports or records pertaining to lead hazards in the property.

The other choices, while they may address concerns about lead, do not align with the legal requirements set forth. Complete renovation might not be necessary or feasible for every case; removing all tenants immediately would not only be draconian but also impractical unless there was a severe and immediate risk to health; and while lead-safe certification is valuable, it is not a primary obligation in itself compared to the necessity of disclosure.