Minnesota Rental Lead Paint Disclosure Rules Explained

When renting a home or apartment in Minnesota, renters and landlords both have important responsibilities and rights regarding lead-based paint hazards. Understanding Minnesota rental lead paint disclosure rules can help you stay safe and ensure your landlord meets state and federal legal requirements. This guide explains what renters need to know, what disclosures and forms should be provided, and where to seek help.

What Is Lead Paint and Why Do Disclosures Matter?

Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes built before 1978 and can create serious health risks, especially to children and pregnant women. Federal and Minnesota state law require landlords to inform renters about the presence of lead-based paint and associated hazards before you sign a lease for homes or apartment buildings constructed prior to 1978.^[1]

Your Rights as a Minnesota Renter

If you're renting in Minnesota, you have the right to:

• Receive required lead paint disclosures before signing a lease
• Get a copy of the EPA-approved lead hazard information pamphlet
• Be told about known lead-based paint or hazards in the rental unit
• See available records or reports on lead-based paint in the building

Required Lead Paint Disclosure Forms

Landlords must use official documents when providing information about lead-based paint. Below are the forms and when you'll encounter them:

• Lead Warning Statement for Leases of Target Housing (no form number)
  When used: Before renting any house or apartment built before 1978, your landlord must provide this statement as part of the lease agreement. It includes disclosures about any known lead paint or hazards and confirms that the necessary information was given to you.
  View the official Lead Disclosure Form
• "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home" pamphlet (EPA publication)
  When used: Landlords must give tenants this EPA-approved booklet with the lease, explaining lead paint hazards and safety tips. You should receive it anytime you rent pre-1978 housing.
  Read "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home"

What Should You Expect From Your Landlord?

Landlords renting out pre-1978 housing must provide:

• The written Lead Warning Statement and disclosure form
• Details of any known lead-based paint or hazards in the unit
• Any available reports or records on lead-based paint
• The official EPA pamphlet on lead hazards

Your landlord and the agent (if any) must sign and date these disclosures. You also sign to acknowledge you received the information.

What Buildings Does This Law Apply To?

This law covers most residential rental properties built before 1978. However, there are exceptions:

• Rental units certified as lead-free by a state inspector
• Short-term rentals of 100 days or less (with no lease renewal)
• Studio apartments or units where no child aged 6 or under will live
• Elderly housing (unless children will live there)

What If Your Landlord Doesn’t Provide Required Disclosures?

If you suspect your landlord did not meet disclosure requirements, you can:

• Ask your landlord for the proper forms and lead pamphlet
• Contact the Minnesota Department of Health Lead Program for information or to report concerns
• Consider seeking support from the Minnesota Attorney General's Office: Landlord and Tenant Rights
• If necessary, you can file a complaint with the Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings for rental disputes

What the Law Says: Legislation and Tribunals

The main laws that protect Minnesota renters are:

• Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant
• Federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (Title X, Section 1018)

The Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings is the official tribunal handling residential tenancies and housing disputes if you need to escalate a complaint.

FAQ: Minnesota Rental Lead Paint Disclosure for Renters

1. What if I rent an apartment built after 1978 in Minnesota?
   Lead paint disclosures are only legally required for housing built before 1978. For newer buildings, disclosures are not necessary.
2. Can I break my lease if I discover lead hazards?
   You may have legal grounds if the landlord fails to address clear hazards after proper notification. Review your options under Minnesota's landlord-tenant law and seek legal advice if needed.
3. Do all tenants in a shared unit need the lead disclosure?
   Yes. Every adult listed on the rental agreement must receive and acknowledge the disclosure forms and pamphlet.
4. Is my landlord required to remove all lead paint?
   Removal is not required unless the paint is deteriorating or poses a hazard. However, landlords must disclose known hazards and respond to safety concerns.
5. What should I do if a child becomes sick from suspected lead exposure?
   Seek medical help immediately and contact the Minnesota Department of Health for further instructions and support.

Summary: What Minnesota Renters Should Know

• Always get official lead paint disclosures and the EPA booklet before signing leases for pre-1978 housing.
• Contact the Minnesota Department of Health or the Attorney General’s Office if you have safety concerns or your landlord does not comply.
• Your health and rights as a tenant are protected by federal and state law.

Staying informed and knowing what to expect from your landlord helps you stay safe and supported throughout your tenancy.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Department of Health – Lead Program: Find local lead inspection help and rental lead information.
• Minnesota Attorney General – Renters' Rights and Protections: Guides and complaint information for renters.
• Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings – Landlord and Tenant Division: How to resolve disputes or file a housing complaint.
• U.S. EPA Lead Information for Renters: National resources and safety information.

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1. [1] EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure for Rental Properties
2. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant Law
3. Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings
4. Minnesota Department of Health – Lead Information
5. EPA "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home" Pamphlet

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