Idaho Rental Lead Paint Disclosure Rules: Renter Rights Guide

Moving into an Idaho rental comes with expectations of safety and transparency. Understanding your landlord’s responsibilities for lead paint and hazard disclosures can help you make informed decisions and safeguard your health. If you're renting a unit built before 1978—or just want to know your rights—this guide breaks down Idaho’s lead paint disclosure laws, the forms you’ll see, and what to do if you have concerns.

Lead-Based Paint: What Renters Need to Know

Lead is a toxic metal once commonly used in house paint. Homes and apartments constructed before 1978 may still contain lead-based paint, which can cause serious health issues—especially for children and pregnant people.

• Your landlord must let you know if lead-based paint is present in your unit.
• Even if there’s no confirmed lead, landlords must provide standard information about lead hazards if the property was built before 1978.

This requirement comes from federal law. Idaho follows these rules closely, so renters benefit from clear protections.

Required Lead Paint Disclosures for Rentals in Idaho

If you are moving into an Idaho rental built before 1978, the landlord must do the following before you sign the lease:

• Disclose any known information about lead-based paint or hazards in the property.
• Provide you with the official EPA pamphlet, Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home.
• Give you time (at least 10 days if desired) to conduct a lead paint inspection before finalizing the lease.
• Complete and share the federal form: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (EPA Form 747-K-099-001).

The signed disclosure form is part of your lease agreement. If your landlord skips any of these steps, it’s a violation of both federal and Idaho law.^[1]

About EPA Form 747-K-099-001

• Form name: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Rentals)
  When is it used? Landlords give this form to all incoming tenants for units built prior to 1978—before lease signing. Both landlord and renter sign it.
• Official Source: EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form

What If My Landlord Doesn't Disclose Lead Information?

Failing to provide the required disclosures could expose your landlord to fines, lawsuits, or even lease cancellation. As a renter, you have the right to ask for all lead-related documentation and can report violations.

• Health Concerns: If you suspect a lead hazard, contact local health authorities.
• Missing Disclosures: Document your communications requesting the disclosure and pamphlet.
• Reporting a Violation: File a complaint with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or your local Public Health District.

Idaho’s Main Rental Housing Law and Where to Get Help

While Idaho doesn’t have a state-specific lead hazard law, renters are still protected under the Idaho Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. If you have a dispute about your rental or need help enforcing your rights, you can contact your county court or the State of Idaho official government portal.

Which Agency Oversees Rental Issues?

Idaho does not have a dedicated housing tribunal or department. Renter-landlord disputes (including disclosure issues) are typically handled in local Idaho courts (small claims or district court, depending on the issue).

Quick Checklist for Idaho Renters

To keep your move-in process safe and above board, it helps to:

• Confirm the year your rental property was built with your landlord
• Request the signed EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure form and pamphlet
• Consider a professional lead inspection if the property is old or you're worried about children or pregnant household members
• Retain copies of all disclosures for your records

FAQ: Idaho Lead Paint Disclosure and Renter Rights

1. Do all Idaho landlords have to provide a lead-based paint disclosure?
   Only if the rental property was built before 1978. If your home is newer, disclosure isn’t required.
2. If my landlord did not give me the pamphlet or form, can I break the lease?
   Failure to provide lead disclosures may allow you to pursue legal action or end the lease, but you should consult with Idaho courts or seek legal advice first.
3. How do I know if my Idaho rental has lead paint?
   Ask your landlord directly and review all disclosures. If you’re unsure, you have the right to request a lead inspection at your own expense before leasing.
4. Where do I file a complaint if my landlord won’t disclose?
   You can report violations to the EPA’s Environmental Violation Reporting portal or your local Idaho public health department.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Idaho Renters

• Federal law requires disclosures about lead paint for Idaho rentals built before 1978.
• Ask for the signed Lead-Based Paint Disclosure form and EPA pamphlet before signing a lease.
• If you think required information is missing, contact local courts or health authorities.

Understanding these lead paint disclosure laws will help you protect your health and make moving into an Idaho rental home safer.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• EPA: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure for Rental Properties (official resources and rules)
• Idaho State Judiciary: Find Small Claims and District Court Information
• Central District Health: Idaho Lead Poisoning Information and Assistance
• Idaho Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (full legal text)
• For further guidance, contact your local legal aid or county court clerk’s office for referrals.

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1. Federal requirement: Lead-Based Paint Real Estate Disclosure Rule; Idaho law does not add additional requirements, but enforcement occurs through Idaho courts as per the Idaho Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

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