Lead Paint Law and Renter Protections in Connecticut

Lead-based paint is a serious health concern, especially for renters living in older Connecticut homes. Understanding your rights and your landlord’s responsibilities can help protect your family from lead exposure and ensure your rental unit meets state health and safety standards.

Understanding Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Connecticut Rentals

Many rental homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint. Lead exposure, most commonly from deteriorating paint and dust, can cause lasting health problems, especially for children and pregnant women. Connecticut law and federal regulations require landlords to take steps to prevent exposure and to notify tenants about known hazards.

Your Landlord’s Legal Obligations

In Connecticut, landlords must ensure that rental properties meet lead-safe standards set by the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The key requirements for landlords include:

• Disclosure: Landlords must provide renters with the Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home pamphlet if the property was built before 1978.
• Known Hazards: Landlords must share any known information or reports about lead-based paint in the home before leasing.
• Repair and Abatement: If a child under six lives in a unit where a lead hazard exists, the landlord must remediate the hazard as outlined in Connecticut General Statutes Section 19a-111g.
• Certification: Any repairs that disturb lead paint must be done by certified professionals.

Required Forms: Federal Lead Disclosure and Tenant Acknowledgement

Certain official forms are involved in meeting lead disclosure requirements:

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA/HUD form): This form is required for all housing built before 1978. Before signing a lease, landlords must present this to tenants, confirming any known lead information has been disclosed. View the sample disclosure form.
• Receipt of Lead Hazard Information Pamphlet: As part of the leasing process, renters sign to acknowledge receiving the required ‘Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home’ pamphlet. Download the pamphlet and learn more.

Example: If you are renting a unit built in 1965, your landlord must provide both the disclosure form and the pamphlet before you sign the lease.

How to Protect Your Family from Lead Hazards

Preventing lead poisoning takes vigilance. Here’s what Connecticut renters should do:

• Ask your landlord if the home was built before 1978 and whether it has ever been inspected for lead-based paint.
• Check your lease and ensure you received the proper lead disclosure forms and pamphlet.
• Regularly inspect painted surfaces, especially around windows, doors, and older walls. Report chipping, peeling, or chalking paint to your landlord immediately.
• Keep floors and surfaces clean to limit dust exposure.
• If you or your child experience health symptoms, get blood lead testing through your healthcare provider or local health department.

Reporting Lead Hazards and Requesting an Inspection

If you believe your rental unit poses a lead hazard and your landlord is unresponsive, Connecticut law allows you to:

• Contact your city or town health department to request a lead inspection (find contact info here).
• File a complaint with the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH).
• If violations remain unresolved, you may file a case before the Connecticut Superior Court, Housing Session, which handles disputes between tenants and landlords.

If a health inspector finds hazardous lead conditions and a child under six is present, the local health department will issue an abatement order to the landlord.

Connecticut Tenant Rights and Lead Paint Legislation

Connecticut protects renter health and safety through specific statutes, including:

• Connecticut General Statutes Section 19a-111 et seq.: Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Act
• Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 831: Landlord and Tenant Law, covering rental unit conditions and repairs
• Federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule

If your unit has hazardous conditions and your landlord won’t act, you have rights to request repairs or seek remedies under these statutes.

FAQ: Lead-Based Paint Hazards and Connecticut Renters’ Rights

1. Does my landlord have to remove all lead paint if my apartment was built before 1978?
   Not always. The landlord must disclose known lead hazards and repair any paint that is deteriorating or has been found to cause a hazard, especially if a child under six lives in the unit.
2. What should I do if I suspect lead hazards and my landlord isn’t responding?
   Contact your local health department for an inspection. They can order the landlord to fix any found hazards.
3. Can I break my lease if my apartment has unaddressed lead paint issues?
   Connecticut law allows tenants to pursue remedies for hazardous conditions, which may include lease termination. Always consult official resources or speak with a tenant advocate for your situation.
4. Are there penalties for landlords who fail to comply with lead disclosure laws?
   Yes. Landlords face fines and possible legal action for non-compliance with federal and state lead paint disclosure laws.
5. Where can I get free lead testing for my child?
   You can contact your pediatrician or local health department for free or low-cost blood lead testing for children.

Key Takeaways for Connecticut Renters

• Landlords must disclose lead hazards and provide the proper forms and pamphlets for homes built before 1978.
• If you suspect a lead hazard, act quickly: request inspection and keep records of communication.
• State and federal law protect your right to a safe, lead-free rental home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Department of Public Health Lead Poisoning Prevention Program: Help with inspections, complaints, and information
• Connecticut Fair Housing Center: Tenant assistance and legal resources
• Connecticut Superior Court, Housing Session: Tribunal for tenant-landlord disputes
• EPA Lead Information: Federal lead laws and safety tips

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1. Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 831: Landlord and Tenant Law
2. Connecticut General Statutes Section 19a-111 et seq.: Lead Poisoning Prevention
3. EPA Residential Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule
4. HUD Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form
5. Connecticut Local Health Departments Directory

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