Lead Paint Disclosure Rules for Iowa Renters

If you're renting in Iowa, it's important to know your rights when it comes to lead paint and hazard disclosures. Laws exist to protect tenants—especially in older buildings—by making sure you’re informed about any potential lead-based paint dangers. This article explains Iowa’s lead hazard disclosure requirements, what forms your landlord should provide, and where to get help if you have concerns.

Understanding Lead Paint Hazards in Iowa Rentals

Lead-based paint, commonly used before 1978, poses serious health risks—especially to children and pregnant women. Federal and Iowa state laws require landlords to disclose known information about lead paint and hazards in rental homes built before 1978. This helps renters make safer choices and request necessary repairs or inspections.

What Must Iowa Landlords Disclose?

• Notification: Landlords must inform you about any known lead-based paint or lead hazards in your rental unit if it was built before 1978.
• Records: They must provide you with any records or reports related to lead-based paint or hazards in the property.
• Disclosure Form: A specific federal disclosure form must be included with your lease.
• EPA Pamphlet: You must receive the EPA’s pamphlet titled Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home.

These protections help ensure renters have the information needed to make safe choices for themselves and their families.

Official Forms for Lead Paint Disclosure in Iowa

• Name: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (No official state-specific form; uses federal version)
  Form Number: EPA/HUD Form
  • Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (PDF)
  When & How It’s Used: Before you sign a lease for a rental built before 1978, your landlord should give you this form. For example, if you’re moving into a 1965-built Des Moines apartment, review the disclosure form for any checked boxes and landlord signatures before you sign.
• Name: EPA Brochure: Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home
  • Official EPA Pamphlet (PDF)
  When & How It’s Used: Landlords must provide this pamphlet to new tenants before signing a lease. If you didn’t receive it, ask your landlord or download it from the link above.

Iowa’s Lead Hazard Disclosure Laws and Tenant Rights

In Iowa, both federal and state laws protect renters from unknown lead hazards. These rules are enforced under the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule and Iowa’s landlord-tenant code.

If your landlord fails to provide the proper disclosure, you may have grounds to seek remedies. The Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (Chapter 562A) outlines your rights, and you can contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission or the appropriate local housing authority for assistance.

If you suspect your rental home contains lead-based paint and your landlord hasn’t made the required disclosures, reach out to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission or your local health department for guidance.

What to Do If You’re Concerned About Lead Hazards

• Ask your landlord for the required disclosure forms and the EPA brochure if you didn’t get them when signing your lease.
• Request any existing records that show past lead inspections or abatement.
• If you suspect there is lead and your landlord is unresponsive, contact your city’s housing inspector or the Iowa Department of Public Health’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.
• You may also file a complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission if your housing rights are being violated.

FAQ: Iowa Lead Paint and Disclosure for Renters

1. Do all Iowa rental properties need a lead paint disclosure?
   Only properties built before 1978 must provide a lead-based paint disclosure and EPA pamphlet before you sign the lease.
2. What should I do if my landlord didn’t give me the lead paint disclosure form?
   Politely request the form and pamphlet. If you still don’t receive them, contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission or your local housing office.
3. Who enforces lead paint disclosure laws in Iowa?
   The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Iowa Civil Rights Commission oversee enforcement.
4. Can I break my lease if my home tests positive for lead hazards?
   Iowa law does not specifically guarantee this right, but you may have legal grounds if your landlord refuses to address known hazards. Seek help from the Iowa Civil Rights Commission or legal aid.
5. Where can I read Iowa’s landlord-tenant laws?
   You can find the full law on the Iowa Legislature’s website.

Key Takeaways for Iowa Renters

• If your home was built before 1978, your landlord must give you a federal lead disclosure form and EPA pamphlet before you sign the lease.
• You have a right to know about lead hazards and can take action if information is not provided.
• Contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission or your local health department with concerns or to report violations.

Make sure you have all documentation before moving in to help keep your household safe and informed.

Need Help? Resources for Iowa Renters

• Iowa Civil Rights Commission – Handles housing complaints and discrimination issues.
• Iowa Department of Public Health: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention – Offers information on testing and abatement.
• HUD Healthy Homes Program – National enforcement and renter resources.
• Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (Chapter 562A) – Official legislation for tenant rights.
• Contact your local city or county housing agency for inspections or more information on local codes.

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1. Federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule (24 CFR Part 35, Subpart A)
2. Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (Chapter 562A)
3. EPA: Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home
4. Iowa Civil Rights Commission – Housing Discrimination and Tenants

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