Lead based paint possible. Covered by dropped ceiling.

[Michael Stockwell]

Thank you all for your help in advance and appreciate any advice you have.

Bought a property with an existing tenant. Seller disclosed no knowledge of lead based paint. Has drop ceiling installed. After looking above the ceiling in one of the rooms there is visible peeling paint. Property is 100 years old.

1. Is it worth testing to discover if the paint is in fact lead based beyond the assumption or will I become liable now with the knowledge of the lead paint present.

2. Is it possible to go after the seller if they clearly knew about the paint and attempted to hide it.

3. Is this an issue that needs to be addressed or is the drop ceiling enough to separate any potential issues.

[Jeff Willis]

@Michael Stockwell. Each state has its own requirements on lead paint in rentals and duty to disclose. 

As an FYI: Just as @Luke Carl does not want to put things in writing (he is a smart person), by asking the question and with the facts you gave, you believe possibly that there is lead paint and you put it in writing. All I am suggesting that going forward, be cautious what you say in writing because as of now you can not ever claim you did not know because you just  disclosed there may be lead paint.