North Carolina Lead Paint Disclosure Rules for Renters

When moving into a North Carolina rental, knowing about lead paint and other hazards is crucial for your health and peace of mind. Landlords have legal responsibilities to inform renters—especially in older buildings—about any known lead-based paint dangers and other hazards that could put your family at risk. This guide explains the disclosure laws, forms, and key steps you should take as a North Carolina renter.

Lead Paint Laws: What North Carolina Renters Need to Know

Federal law requires landlords in North Carolina to provide certain disclosures about lead-based paint in rental housing built before 1978. This protects renters from health risks—especially children and pregnant women—caused by lead exposure.

• Applies to most residential properties built before 1978
• Landlords must inform renters about known lead-based paint and any related hazards
• Renters must be given a specific pamphlet about lead risks
• If the rental is government-assisted, more requirements may apply

Required Lead Paint Disclosure Forms in North Carolina

Before you sign your lease, North Carolina landlords must give you two items if the property was built before 1978:

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA Form EPA-747-K-99-001): This form notifies you about any known lead paint and hazards. You and your landlord must sign it before you move in. For example, if you're considering a 1965 apartment, your landlord should provide you a completed disclosure form with your lease.
• "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" Pamphlet: Landlords must give you the official EPA informational booklet so you understand potential risks and ways to protect yourself.

If your landlord fails to provide these, it's a violation of both federal law and North Carolina landlord-tenant statutes.

Other Hazard Disclosure Requirements

Besides lead paint, North Carolina law requires landlords to disclose other known hazards that could impact your safety—such as asbestos or contaminated drinking water. These rules are separate from, but just as important as, the lead disclosure laws.

• Mandatory disclosure of known environmental hazards (if the landlord is aware)
• Safe living environment is the landlord’s legal responsibility
• You have a right to ask for inspection records and prior hazard disclosures

Where to Check Laws and File Complaints

If you have concerns or if your landlord fails to give you the required disclosures, you can get help from the North Carolina Judicial Branch, which oversees residential tenancy disputes. There’s no separate housing board in North Carolina, so the courts handle landlord-tenant cases.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

North Carolina’s Residential Rental Agreements Act (NC General Statutes Chapter 42, Article 5) gives renters the right to a safe and habitable home. Federal lead paint rules add important disclosure protections.

What Renters Should Do—Action Steps

• Ask your landlord if the property was built before 1978
• Request a copy of the official EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form and review it carefully
• Read the "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" pamphlet before moving in
• If hazards are disclosed, consider asking for an independent inspection
• If your landlord refuses to provide these forms, contact the North Carolina courts for guidance on your rights

Following these steps helps you protect your health and exercise your rights as a renter.

FAQs: Lead Paint and Hazard Disclosures in North Carolina Rentals

1. What if my landlord doesn’t provide a lead paint disclosure?
   Your landlord must give you an official lead paint disclosure and EPA pamphlet if the property was built before 1978. If not, you may be able to break the lease or report the violation to the courts.
2. Does every rental need lead disclosure in North Carolina?
   No, only rentals built before 1978 require lead paint disclosure forms. Newer properties are exempt.
3. Can I get my unit tested for lead?
   Yes. You can hire a certified lead inspector. If your landlord has knowledge of lead paint, they must tell you, but they are not required to test the property themselves.
4. Where can I find the lead paint disclosure form?
   The EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form is available online. Your landlord should give you a signed copy with your lease.
5. What agency handles landlord-tenant disputes in North Carolina?
   The North Carolina Judicial Branch handles these disputes.

Key Takeaways for North Carolina Renters

• Know your right to receive lead paint disclosures for all rentals built before 1978
• Always read and sign the EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form and review the educational pamphlet
• Contact the North Carolina courts or local legal aid if your landlord fails to provide required disclosures

Making sure you receive accurate hazard disclosures keeps your home—and your family—safe, and ensures landlords follow the law.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• North Carolina Judicial Branch - Landlord/Tenant Information: For filing a complaint or learning about your rights
• US EPA: Lead in Rental Housing: National lead regulations and resources
• NC General Statutes Chapter 42, Article 5: Residential Rental Agreements Act
• EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form PDF
• Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home Booklet

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1. See: EPA Lead Disclosure Rule for Real Estate
2. See: EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form
3. See: North Carolina Judicial Branch - Landlord/Tenant
4. See: NC General Statutes Chapter 42, Article 5
5. See: Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home - EPA Brochure

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