Indiana Renters: Your Guide to Lead-Based Paint Safety

Living in an older Indiana rental home means your family could face risks from lead-based paint. Federal and state laws protect renters in Indiana, ensuring landlords keep living spaces healthy and safe. Understanding your rights around lead paint hazards can help you protect your family and request necessary repairs or disclosures from your landlord.

Understanding Lead-Based Paint Hazards for Renters

Lead is a toxic metal that was commonly used in house paint before 1978. Exposure can cause serious health problems—especially for children and pregnant women—leading to developmental delays, learning problems, and other issues. As a renter, it’s important to know your risks and the protections available to you in Indiana.

• Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint
• Deteriorating paint (peeling, chipping, chalking) increases the risk of lead exposure
• Young children are especially vulnerable because they may touch or put paint chips or dust in their mouths

Your Rights to Lead Paint Disclosures

Federal law requires landlords of most housing built before 1978 to give renters a Lead-Based Paint Disclosure form before signing a lease. In Indiana, this is enforced alongside the federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act.

What Must a Landlord Provide?

• A completed Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA form)
• EPA-approved Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home brochure
• Any records or reports they have about lead-based paint in the rental unit

These disclosures must be given before you are obligated under the lease. If you didn’t receive them, raise the issue in writing with your landlord.

Forms Renters Should Know

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA 402-K-94-001)
  Use this form before signing a lease for a rental built before 1978 to ensure your landlord is complying with federal disclosure requirements. If you did not receive this, contact your landlord or the Indiana State Department of Health. View and download the EPA disclosure form here.

Your Landlord's Responsibilities in Indiana

Indiana law requires landlords to comply with federal requirements on lead-based paint. Additionally, Indiana's landlord-tenant statutes require that rental units be kept "safe, clean, and habitable." If you discover chipping or peeling paint, report it immediately and request repairs in writing.

• Landlords must address unsafe lead conditions when notified
• If you discover peeling or deteriorated paint, especially in units built before 1978, request an inspection
• If your landlord doesn’t fix hazards after written notice, you may be able to pursue remedies under Indiana law

What To Do If You Suspect a Lead Hazard

If you think your home has lead-based paint hazards:

• Submit a written request to your landlord for an inspection or repairs
• Contact the Indiana Department of Health’s Lead and Healthy Homes Program for guidance
• If you believe your landlord isn’t fulfilling their obligations, you can file a complaint with the Indiana Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division

For formal disputes over repairs and rent, Indiana renters can pursue action through the local court system—there is no separate state housing tribunal, but small claims courts hear many landlord-tenant cases. Learn more from the Indiana Courts official website.

Key Indiana Lead Paint Laws and Regulations

• Federal Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act
• Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (Title X)
• Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31 - Landlord-Tenant Relations

Review the full tenant protections and landlord duties in the Indiana landlord-tenant laws (IC 32-31-8).

FAQs: Lead Paint Hazards and Indiana Renters

1. Do all Indiana rental properties require a lead-based paint disclosure?
   Most rentals built before 1978 require landlords to provide the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form and EPA brochure before you sign the lease. Newer properties (built after 1978) are exempt.
2. What should I do if my landlord refuses to address peeling paint?
   Send a written repair request—keep a copy for yourself. If repairs are not made, you can contact the Indiana Department of Health or consider filing a complaint with the Indiana Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
3. Is there a lead paint testing program for renters in Indiana?
   Yes. The Indiana Department of Health offers home lead testing and can provide information on safe housing standards.
4. What law protects me as a renter regarding lead-based paint?
   Federal law (including the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act) and Indiana Code Title 32 require disclosure and safe living standards.
5. Who handles legal disputes over lead paint and repairs?
   Disputes are typically handled in local Indiana courts, usually through small claims or civil court as part of landlord-tenant cases.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Family from Lead Paint in Indiana Rentals

To protect your family:

• Always ask for official lead paint disclosures before signing a lease
• Report any lead hazards to your landlord and keep everything in writing
• Contact state or local agencies if your landlord fails to address safety concerns

Understanding your rights and available resources helps ensure a safe, healthy home in Indiana.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Indiana Department of Health – Lead and Healthy Homes Program: Information, testing, and complaint procedures
• Indiana Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division: Submit complaints about unresolved landlord safety violations
• EPA: Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home (EPA brochure for renters)
• Indiana Landlord-Tenant Law – IC 32-31-8
• For dispute resolution, file claims through your local Indiana small claims court

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1. Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (Federal)
2. Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31 – Landlord-Tenant Relations
3. Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (Title X)
4. EPA: Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home (Brochure)
5. Indiana Department of Health Lead and Healthy Homes Program

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