Mississippi Lead Paint Disclosure Rules: What Renters Need to Know

When moving into a rental home or apartment in Mississippi, understanding your rights around lead paint and other hazard disclosures is crucial to ensuring your health and safety. Federal and state laws require landlords to share specific information with renters—especially if you’re moving into an older property. This article explains what disclosures you should receive, which forms are involved, and what to do if you don’t get the right documents.

Why Lead Paint and Hazard Disclosures Matter for Mississippi Renters

Lead-based paint, commonly found in homes built before 1978, can pose serious health risks—especially to young children and pregnant women. Federal law requires that renters receive clear information so they can make informed decisions and reduce exposure risks.

Which Rentals Must Provide Lead Paint Disclosures?

• Any residential property built before 1978 is covered by federal law
• Exceptions include certain short-term rentals (e.g., leases of 100 days or less), single rooms, and housing certified to be lead-free

Whether you're renting a house, apartment, or duplex, you should know if hazardous lead paint might be present.

Your Landlord's Legal Disclosure Duties in Mississippi

Landlords must comply with both federal regulations on lead-based paint disclosures and Mississippi's rental requirements. These rules apply before you sign a lease so that you’re aware of any hazards.

Required Lead Paint Forms and How They Are Used

• EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (Form EPA 747-K-99-002):
  
  • What it is: A federally required document that must be provided to renters of pre-1978 properties.
  • When used: Given before a rental agreement is signed.
  • How used: Both you and your landlord must sign. The form includes disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards and any related reports.
  • View the EPA Lead Paint Disclosure Form
• EPA Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home Pamphlet (EPA 747-K-94-001):
  
  • What it is: An educational pamphlet landlords must give all new tenants in covered properties.
  • When used: Provided before you sign a lease, alongside the disclosure form.
  • Download "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" Pamphlet

Receiving these documents is a legal right for Mississippi renters. If your landlord does not provide them, they are violating both federal and state law.

Other Hazard Disclosures

• Mold and Environmental Hazards: Mississippi does not require specific mold or environmental hazard disclosures, but federal lead paint rules always apply to older homes.
• Asbestos or Radon: No specific state disclosure law for these hazards, but you may ask your landlord about any known dangers.

What If You Didn’t Receive Required Lead Paint Disclosures?

If you find out you didn’t receive the required lead disclosure forms or pamphlet, you have the right to demand them. Not receiving these documents is a legal violation and could allow you to seek damages or cancel the lease.

• Notify your landlord in writing and request the required forms
• If your landlord refuses, you can contact the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 Office or the Mississippi Home Corporation for help

Where to File a Complaint

• You can file a lead paint disclosure complaint directly with the EPA's Report an Environmental Violation portal

What Legislation Protects Mississippi Renters?

• Federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (Title X)
• Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Miss. Code Ann. §§ 89-8-1 to 89-8-29)

The Mississippi Home Corporation oversees housing programs, and tenants may also seek help from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for discrimination or hazards affecting rental housing.

1. What if I signed a lease but didn’t get a lead paint disclosure? You have the right to request the form and "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" pamphlet. If not provided after your request, you may contact the EPA or seek legal aid. In some cases, you may be able to break your lease or seek damages.
2. Do Mississippi landlords have to test for lead paint? No, landlords do not have to test, but they must disclose any known lead-based paint hazards, reports, or information about the property if it was built before 1978.
3. Does my landlord have to provide disclosures for mold or other hazards in Mississippi? Mississippi state law does not require disclosure for mold, asbestos, or other environmental hazards except for lead paint in older properties.
4. What steps should I take if my landlord refuses to give me the EPA disclosure form? Document your requests in writing. If there is no response, file a complaint with the EPA or seek support from local legal aid organizations.
5. Can I move out or break my lease because of undisclosed lead hazards? In some circumstances, failure to disclose lead hazards may give you grounds to break your lease or seek damages, especially if there are health risks.

Key Takeaways for Mississippi Renters

• Always ask for the EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form and information pamphlet when renting a pre-1978 property
• If your landlord doesn’t provide them, you have the right to request or file a complaint
• Stay informed about your rights under federal and state law to ensure a safe living environment

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• EPA Lead Information and Contacts for reporting or questions about lead paint
• Mississippi Home Corporation for renter resources and housing programs
• HUD Mississippi Renter Resources and fair housing complaints
• The Mississippi Bar Lawyer Referral and Information Service
• Review the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for your full legal rights

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1. EPA Lead Disclosure Rule Summary
2. Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
3. EPA Lead Paint Disclosure Form (EPA 747-K-99-002)
4. Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home Pamphlet
5. Mississippi Home Corporation

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