Lead Paint Inspection for SF Rental

[Carey Flamer-Powell]

Hi - Newbie here, looking to purchase my first buy & hold, turnkey SF rental house. I just had a deal fall through because I wasn't willing to waive my right to have a lead paint inspection. The turnkey seller said he "has never had anyone request a lead paint inspection" and he didn't want to move forward with the deal if I insisted on one. So we canceled the deal. 

My question is, are all investors just sticking their head in the sand and signing away their right to a lead paint inspection and hoping there's no lead paint? That seems really risky to me, as the penalties for landlords can be very stiff if lead paint is found on the premises, and especially if a tenant can prove they were harmed by it. 

So what is everyone doing about insuring the property is lead paint free when they purchase a turnkey property? Thank you!

[Nicholas Lohr]

Got you.  It's probably best for you to contact a lawyer then, especially before you let more deals fall through because of this.  Unless someone else can chime in here.  I do get the feeling that you shouldn't be loosing deals because of this. I'll also say that I've done 4 deals in CA and I have friends who have also done a number of deals in CA and this has never come up before.