Nevada Renters: Lead Paint Disclosure & Safety Rights

Many Nevada rental homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, posing risks—especially to children and pregnant individuals. Understanding your rights and your landlord’s duties is essential to protect your family’s health and safety.

What Are Lead-Based Paint Hazards?

Lead, a toxic metal, was widely used in paints until 1978. Exposure can cause serious health problems, such as learning disabilities, delayed growth, and behavioral issues in children. In adults, it can increase risks for high blood pressure and other issues. Lead is particularly dangerous when paint chips, peels, or creates airborne dust.

Your Nevada Renter Rights: Lead Paint Disclosure Laws

Under the federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule, landlords must follow strict requirements for most properties built before 1978:

• Provide renters with the EPA’s Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home pamphlet.
• Disclose known information about lead-based paint or hazards in the property.
• Disclose any available records and reports regarding lead paint.
• Include an official lead warning statement in every lease.
• Give renters at least 10 days to conduct lead paint inspections if desired.

These rules also apply in Nevada, and failing to disclose can have legal consequences for landlords.

Which Forms Are Required in Nevada?

• Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home (EPA-747-K-12-001)
  Must be provided to renters before signing a lease.
  Example: When you sign a lease for a Reno apartment built in 1965, your landlord should give you this EPA booklet.
  View the pamphlet on EPA.gov
• Lead Warning Statement & Disclosure Form
  This is a lease addendum or separate form confirming information about lead paint.
  Example: Attached to your lease agreement, this form notes whether the landlord knows of any lead-based paint hazards.
  Find sample disclosure forms here

What Can Renters Do If They Suspect Lead Hazards?

If your landlord did not provide disclosure or you suspect deteriorating lead-based paint, state and federal law gives you options to address the issue.

• Document your concerns (photos, notes, etc.).
• Write a formal request to your landlord for repairs and required disclosures.
• Contact Nevada regulatory or health agencies for support.
• If unresolved, you may file a complaint with the Nevada Housing Division or your local health department.

For homes with children or pregnant people, early action is especially important. You can also seek assistance from the EPA's Lead Hotline or Nevada’s Division of Public and Behavioral Health.

Nevada Laws and Enforcement

While Nevada follows federal laws on lead paint, renters are also protected by state law under the Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. This act sets out your rights for a habitable, safe home and landlord repair duties.

If issues persist, renters can file with the Las Vegas Justice Court – Landlord Tenant Section (for Clark County) or with their local Justice Court. These courts handle rental disputes, repairs, and habitability claims.

Key Action Steps for Nevada Renters

• Before you sign, always ask if the unit was built before 1978 and request all disclosure forms.
• Get repairs for any peeling, chipping, or deteriorating paint.
• Contact Nevada Housing Division or your local Justice Court if your landlord ignores hazards.
• Consider contacting your local health department to request a lead inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does my landlord have to tell me if there's lead-based paint in my Nevada rental?
   Yes. Landlords of most pre-1978 rentals must share all known information about lead-based paint hazards before you sign the lease, along with official disclosure forms and pamphlets.
2. What should I do if I find chipping paint in my Nevada home?
   Document the problem and notify your landlord in writing. If they don’t respond, contact the Nevada Housing Division or local health department for support.
3. Can I break my lease if my landlord doesn’t fix lead hazards?
   If your landlord won’t make repairs and the property is unsafe, you may have options under Nevada law, but you should seek legal advice or contact the local Justice Court before taking action.
4. Where do I file a complaint about undisclosed lead hazards?
   You can contact the Nevada Housing Division, your local health department, or file in your local Justice Court’s landlord-tenant section.
5. Is there a cost for lead paint inspection in Nevada rentals?
   Lead testing costs vary. Some local health departments offer free or reduced-fee inspections, especially for families with young children.

Conclusion: What Renters Should Remember

• Renters in Nevada have the right to lead-safety disclosures for older rentals.
• If you didn’t receive disclosures, you can request them or report issues to state agencies.
• Keep all documents and communications for your records in case of future disputes.

Staying informed about lead-based paint hazards helps you protect your family and assert your rights as a Nevada tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nevada Housing Division – Information, complaints, tenant rights guidance
• Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health – Environmental health and lead hazard services
• Las Vegas Justice Court – Landlord Tenant Section – For rental disputes in Clark County
• EPA Lead Resources – National standards and guidance

---

1. EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule
2. Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
3. EPA Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home pamphlet
4. Nevada Housing Division official site
5. Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health
6. Las Vegas Justice Court – Landlord Tenant Section

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations