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Updated over 11 years ago on . Most recent reply
Lead Based Paint Issue with Tenants in Place When Purchased-No Signed LBP Disclosure
I recently bought a duplex to live in one unit and rent out the other. The other unit was already rented when I purchased the property. I bought it in November the tenant's lease is up at the end of July, 2013. I just got a letter in the mail from the city saying I was in violation of lead based paint.
The building was built in 1911 and when I had the inspection for the original purchase nothing came up about lead paint although it was a general inspection, not a specialized lead paint inspection.
After receiving the letter I talked the tenants. She has multiple children and after receiving the results of one of their blood tests, one of the children had a 1.5 lead reading. From what I read 10 is when its high. The youngest child is 5 or 6 so he isn't at extreme risk (under 2 years old). After getting the results she didn't know if it was from their school or from home so she had a company come test the unit.
The letter says I have 14 days to get the unit in compliance with the city code.
From the previous owner I just received their lease and I don't think he had them sign the lead based paint disclosure. I guess I failed a little with my due diligence when buying the property.
Am I at serious risk here? I am obviously going to have a company come out as soon as possible. I am leaving in the morning for Florida and will be out of town for the next 11 days which is most of the deadline so it will be a little difficult to arrange the work to be done.
Any suggestions? And does anyone know the cost the fixing all this?