Since what year have real estate licensees been required to disclose lead-based paint presence in residential properties?

Real estate licensees have been required to disclose the presence of lead-based paint in residential properties since 1996. This requirement stems from the federal Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, which aims to protect tenants and buyers from potential health hazards associated with lead exposure, particularly in homes built before 1978 when the use of lead-based paints was banned in residential properties.

The law mandates that sellers and landlords provide disclosures about lead-based paint and any known hazards associated with it. They must also give buyers and renters an EPA-approved pamphlet that explains the risks of lead exposure. This requirement is crucial to ensure that individuals are adequately informed about potential lead hazards that could impact their health and well-being, especially children who are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning.

Understanding this historical context underscores the importance of lead paint disclosure in residential transactions, reflecting broader public health initiatives aimed at safeguarding communities from environmental hazards.