1978 got the lead out!

Image courtesy of hywards from www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of hywards from www.freedigitalphotos.net

Of course we all know that lead is considered to be a harmful environmental pollutant.  According to the EPA and HUD approximately 75% of the houses built before 1978 contain some lead-based paint.  So what?  Well if you are looking to buy real estate built prior to 1978 you should be fully aware of this issue.

To keep tenants safe, some rehabbers will “encapsulate” the lead paint to make sure that it is sealed.  As a landlord you must be diligent to make sure the paint is fully intact and does not get chipped or else the lead is exposed.  There could also be multiple sources of lead in the home so be sure to test thoroughly.

The EPA has lots of information on lead and can provide information on “abatements”.  This must be done by a Lead-Safe Certified firm and can be very costly. 

Another option is to only buy property built after 1978.  We like this option the best as it provides the least risk for lead issues.

Any real estate investors out there with any lead stories?  Please share…