Tenant wants lead inspection - Landlord's obligations?

I bought a small building 2 years ago and one of my tenant I kept in when I took over recently asked me to check on the lead situation as his wife is is expecting a baby in June of  next year. What are my obligations? All these brownstones seem to have walls that have several layers of painting so I am sure on old layer must have some lead in it. Should I just have his unit repainted and holes patched if any? Should I get a city inspector who might come and scare the whole building and aske me to repaint all units? Any advise welcome.

hillel

in Landlord 13 years and 5 months ago

7

Please log in, in order to post replies!

7 replies

Newest Oldest

Mads54 | 13 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4802 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4823 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "5246"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "Mads54"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "maggieg"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "mgh1234@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(22) "/forums/users/mads432/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:42:15"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "MaggieG"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(5246)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

f a child under the age of six (6) –I believe it is six (6) -long time since I looked at the law (I work in law)–you must comply with the lead issues.

rustydevon | 13 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4812 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4813 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "32496"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "rustydevon"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BOftAzrUH1026WyyMo9yi7FLINMQLR/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "rustydevon"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "devon@nomdeguerre.net"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(25) "/forums/users/rustydevon/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:48:14"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "rustydevon"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(32496)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Every apartment that I’ve ever lived in in NYC required me to sign a lead paint waiver with my lease. When I’ve sold roperty my attorney has always insisted on it as well, because it’s always there, and if you don’t have it signed you’re looking at a liability. The way my attorney explained it to me, everyone signs this waiver, and if you see paint chips on the floor, don’t eat them. I guess that my thinking on the matter is that we’ve all grown up around this stuff, and we’re alright, right?

bks2f | 13 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4816 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4807 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "179126"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(5) "bks2f"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BwfOAZDgc7I/5rL5VIMaUGONvce/iO0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(5) "bks2f"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "Bks2freno@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(20) "/forums/users/bks2f/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:39:04"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(5) "bks2f"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(179126)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

HI I HAVE A RESTORATION COMPANY AND WHERE LEAD CERTIFIED TO DO THIS TYPE OF WORK. CURIOSITYKILLEDIT IS RIGHT IF YOUR BUILDING WAS BUILT BEFOR 1978 IT MOST LIKLY HAS LEAD. I DO THIS TYPE OF WORK ALL THE TIME. YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT 347-279-8083 AND I ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS. THANKS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS

curiositykilledthecat | 13 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4802 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4808 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "6686"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(21) "curiositykilledthecat"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BpJy36BOM60xHZK8im0n0KWBROkJ8V1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(21) "curiositykilledthecat"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(25) "catherineharren@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(36) "/forums/users/curiositykilledthecat/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:13:46"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(21) "curiositykilledthecat"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(6686)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Also, so you have it straight from the source–NYC HPD governs this, best we have been able to tell.  Here are some links: http://home2.nyc.gov/html/hpd/downloads/pdf/lead-paint-local-law1-brochure-for-owners-06-11-04.pdf http://home2.nyc.gov/html/hpd/html/homeowners/lead_paint.shtml Also, NYC Dept of Health has some helpful info: http://home2.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/lead/lead-paint-fix-bro-abr.pdf Once again, good luck.

curiositykilledthecat | 13 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4812 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4809 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "6686"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(21) "curiositykilledthecat"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BpJy36BOM60xHZK8im0n0KWBROkJ8V1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(21) "curiositykilledthecat"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(25) "catherineharren@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(36) "/forums/users/curiositykilledthecat/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:13:46"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(21) "curiositykilledthecat"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(6686)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We have a lot of current experience on this as landlords to a small building.  The earlier question is critical–all the regulations apply to 3-family or larger.  How big is your building? Clickandapprove, above, is correct.  I would add: We went ahead and had every surface tested for about $500, using this firm: Advanced Environmental Corp.
347 Fifth Avenue, Suite 404
New York, NY 10016
212-545-1855 – office
212-545-0757 – fax Expensive, but as owners we felt it was worthwhile to know which areas had lead paint, even if under many layers. Next is the question of hazard:  peeling, chipping lead paint are hazards and must be repaired by a lead safe contractor.  This is an EPA designation–they are trained to handle lead areas safely.  You do NOT have to abate necessarily, just keep the paint in good order. Finally, there is a lot of drama about lead paint.  Some of it deserved, most not.  If your building is in good repair and you are a thoughtful and decent landlord, your tenant and their new baby should have no issue.  Your tenant should know that the baby will be tested for elevated lead each year at his/her regular check-up, so any issues will be identified.  And tenant can request more frequent tests from doctor if they wish. But, again, for buildings in good shape and children not eating lead for lunch, the lead worries are over-hyped nonsense being fueled by ambulance chasers and overly-anxious parents.  Do the right thing, and you’ll be fine. Good luck.

clickandimprove | 13 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4816 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4810 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "179156"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(15) "clickandimprove"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BoPUrBkb6Iqej8tYo8atQ9FKqUKaai/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(15) "clickandimprove"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(27) "anthony@clickandimprove.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(30) "/forums/users/clickandimprove/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:39:07"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(15) "clickandimprove"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(179156)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

A new amendment to the existing lead paint disclosure requirements adds a costly layer of bureaucracy, prompting a local apartment association to put up a fight. The amendment requires that every rental property built pre-1978 must be certified as either lead-free, or lead-safe. By definition, the property is not lead-safe or lead-free if it was built before 1978 and the landlord cannot demonstrate there is _not_ lead on any surface. A property is deemed lead-safe if there are no current conditions that could cause lead poisoning. Once a landlord obtains this rating, they must renew the certification every 12 months, except where an existing tenant renews the lease. Each tenant must be given a disclosure of whether the property is lead-free or lead-safe at lease signing. Proof of the disclosure must be signed by the tenant, and a copy submitted to the city. If this doesn’t happen, the consequences are dire: The city will have the right to inspect the property, and charge the landlord the cost. The tenant will have the right to go to court and force the landlord to have the inspection, and to eliminate any lead risks. Meanwhile, the tenant will be entitled to a full rent abatement for the time they lived in the uncertified property, and the landlord cannot charge rent going forward until the inspection. The above is something to consider and because there is a child involved….BE CAREFUL. You will need a good contractor that knows how to peel accordingly and use the proper paint to go over a potential “hidden” problem. You may need to do the right thing on this unit. It will cost you more……

daveinbedstuy | 13 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4809 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4802 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "3864"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BtJYyObAQmff2MQp.qFP7/kmwU1bBZ1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "djl135e54@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(55) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/daveinbedstuy/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:23:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(3864)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I don’t know what the law is actually but I know it varies by building size.  More importantly though, do you have a lead water main?