Health Dept Found Lead Paint and Dust

[Robert Gorman]

I have a tenant who has been renting for a year and a half.  He paid on time through the first year, but now he is behind by over 2 months and I have been considering eviction.  He signed a lead disclosure and received the pamphlet at the beginning of his lease.  He verbally alluded to the fact that his daughter and her young child (under 6) moved in with him a few months ago, however they are not on the lease.  He called me recently and told me that the child had a high lead test result.  Then last week I received a call from the Department of Health letting me know they performed a lead inspection and did find lead in many areas of the interior of the unit.  This had not been disclosed to me or discovered in the inspection when I bought the property two and a half years ago.

The Health Dept representative let me know that I may qualify for an HUD lead abatement assistance program to have the property abated by the state. To do this, they would put a lien on my property for 3 years. I can try that option or hire a contractor on my own. Does anybody have any experience with this type of situation or any advice?