Lead-based paint disclosure
A federal disclosure required for homes built before 1978. The seller says what they know about lead paint, and the buyer gets 10 days to test unless they waive it.
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Where this comes up: getting ready
Part 1 of 4
Why a seller cares
If the home was built before 1978, federal law asks for it in every state: a form, the EPA pamphlet, and a ten-day window for the buyer to test. Missing it is one of the few disclosure gaps with a federal penalty behind it.
Part 2 of 4
A simple example
A 1965 home. The disclosure form, the pamphlet and the buyer's ten-day testing window go with the contract, whether or not anybody believes there is lead paint.
| The home | What goes with the contract |
|---|---|
| Built before 1978 | The signed disclosure, the EPA pamphlet, and the ten-day testing window unless the buyer waives it |
| Built 1978 or later | Nothing under the federal lead rule |
| Built before 1978, buyer waives testing | The form and the pamphlet still; only the window is waived |
One year decides it. Before 1978, the paperwork travels with the contract every time.
Part 3 of 4
What people get wrong
That it only applies if you know there is lead paint. The form asks what you know, and it is delivered whether the answer is something or nothing.
Part 4 of 4 · where to read next
Where it appears in the sale
What a definition is, and what it isn't
Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.
Written and researched by Keighbor Research · read against EPA: real estate disclosures about lead · how we research and check what we publish
In your Room, this word explains itself where it appears.
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