Recently, David Burgess of Emerald Lead Testing in Springfield, came to Coldwell Banker Upton-Massamont Realtors Northampton Training Center and spoke to our agents about lead paint. He provided answers to commonly asked questions.
The Massachusetts Lead Law protects a child's right to a lead-safe home. It requires the removal or control of lead paint in houses with children under 6. If houses built before 1978 are being sold or rented, sellers, real estate agents, and owners who rent their homes are required to notify their buyers and tenants of lead risks.
- When is a property owner affected by the "lead law"? - The owner of a property in which a child under the age of 6 lives has committed a criminal offense if there are violations of the lead law present at the property. It does not matter if the owner knows that lead is present or not.
- As an owner, how can you find out if there are violations on your property? - Homes built prior to 1978 may contain high levels of lead paint. Generally speaking, the older the home, the more lead paint. For properties built prior to 1978, the owner would need to contact a private lead inspector and have an inspection performed. Find your home and its lead inspection history here.
- What should you do if there are lead paint violations on your property? - The state allows property owners and their agents to perform specific "low-risk" lead abatement work. An owner or agent must complete the training supplied by the state prior to performing any of these actitivites. Click here for more info on low-risk deleading. A licensed Deleading Contractor is the only person permitted to perform any other abatement work.
If you're thinking of buying or selling a home, you'll want an experienced Real Estate agent on your side. Contact Coldwell Banker Upton-Massamont Realtors at 413.461.3518 to connect with a local REALTOR.
Footer Social