Lead-Based Paint - Waiver

[Bastian Kneuse]

As part of an sales offer, i was asked to sign a document that says that i am waiving the opportunity to conduct a risk assessment or inspection for presence of lead-based paint hazards in the housing. Based on the seller disclosure, he is not aware of the presence of lead-based paint, however he has never done a test. I am not feeling very comfortable agreeing to this, because i will ultimately be liable in case lead-based paint will be discovered at some point down the road. Any thoughts or advice?

[Kiera Underwood]

There probably is lead in the original several layers of paint! As long as you're not chipping away at it and then breathing that in or eating the chips you're fine. The thing is that it's covered in several more layers of paint. Even accessing the lead-based paint is likely a challenge. This waiver is typical for every house built before 1978. Nothing unusual here!