North Carolina Renter Rights: Lead-Based Paint Hazards

Lead-based paint hazards can pose serious health risks—especially for children and pregnant women. If you rent a home or apartment in North Carolina, knowing your rights and responsibilities regarding lead paint is important for keeping your household safe. This guide outlines key health and safety standards, explains what your landlord must do, and gives you clear steps to take if you discover lead risks in your rental.

Understanding Lead-Based Paint Hazards in North Carolina Rentals

Homes and apartments built before 1978 are more likely to contain lead-based paint. Disturbance of peeling, chipping, or deteriorating paint can release dangerous lead dust. Exposure to lead can cause developmental delays in children and other serious health issues.

• Federal Law requires landlords to provide renters with a lead hazard information pamphlet before leasing most properties built before 1978.
• North Carolina Law follows federal standards for disclosure and safety requirements regarding residential lead hazards.

What Must North Carolina Landlords Do?

In North Carolina, landlords must:

• Disclose known information about lead-based paint in pre-1978 rentals
• Provide the official EPA booklet, ‘Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home’
• Disclose reports or records regarding lead-based paint/hazards
• Maintain rental units in compliance with the North Carolina Residential Rental Agreements Act

Landlords are not required to remove lead-based paint unless it poses a hazard, but they are responsible for addressing any condition that makes the unit unsafe or in violation of housing codes.

Key Forms for North Carolina Renters: EPA Disclosure

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA Form):
  Typically provided as part of your lease documents. This form must be signed by both landlord and tenant in all pre-1978 rentals.
  • When to use: Whenever you sign or renew a lease for a pre-1978 home or apartment
  • How it helps: It records the landlord’s disclosure of any known lead hazards and gives you the right to information before move-in
  • Download the official EPA Lead Paint Disclosure Form

If you suspect your landlord did not disclose lead paint information as required, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or contact North Carolina Housing Finance Agency for assistance.

Your Rights & What to Do if You Spot Lead Hazards

Renters are entitled to a safe and habitable apartment or rental home. If you notice deteriorating lead paint or suspect a hazard, take these actions:

• Notify your landlord in writing of the hazard
• Keep records and photos, if possible
• Request urgent repairs as needed
• If unresolved, contact your city or county housing inspection office for help

Serious unresolved hazards may give you grounds to report the issue to health or housing code enforcement, or take further action under state law.

Where to File Complaints and Resolve Disputes

In North Carolina, housing-related complaints may be handled by your local building inspection office or in legal disputes by the district court system. There is no special, separate housing tribunal for residential tenancies; however, you can learn more about your rights and filing options through the North Carolina Judicial Branch and NC Housing Coalition.

For issues related to non-compliance with lead disclosure laws, the EPA accepts formal complaints using their Lead Violation Reporting Form.

FAQ: Lead Paint Safety and Renter Rights in North Carolina

1. What should I do if my landlord didn’t give me a lead paint disclosure?
   You can request the disclosure in writing and, if still not provided, file a complaint with the EPA using their Lead Violation Reporting Form. You may also consult a local attorney or your health department for further action.
2. Can I break my lease because of lead paint hazards?
   If the condition makes the unit unsafe and the landlord does not make repairs after written notice, you may have legal reasons to end your lease early. Seek advice from a legal aid office or review the Residential Rental Agreements Act for guidance.
3. Are North Carolina landlords required to remove all lead paint?
   No. Landlords are only required to remove or repair lead paint if it is deteriorating or poses a health hazard.
4. How do I get my rental home tested for lead paint?
   Contact your local health department to request a lead inspection, especially if you have children under age 6 or pregnant household members.
5. Does lead disclosure apply to all rentals?
   Federal and state laws require disclosure in all pre-1978 residential rentals, with limited exceptions such as certain short-term leases.

Summary: What North Carolina Renters Need to Know

• Ask for official lead paint disclosures and the EPA pamphlet before signing a lease for units built before 1978.
• Report lead hazards to your landlord promptly and keep written records of communications.
• Use official resources and legal avenues if your landlord does not address serious lead risks.

Understanding and exercising your rights helps keep your home safe for you and your family.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program – Health information and free inspection options
• EPA Lead Violation Report – File a formal complaint about disclosure violations
• North Carolina Judicial Branch – For legal claims or enforcement actions
• NC Housing Coalition – Renter advocacy and support information
• North Carolina Residential Rental Agreements Act – Full tenancy laws on health and safety

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1. See: EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Requirements
2. North Carolina Residential Rental Agreements Act, NC Chapter 42, Article 5
3. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services – Lead
4. North Carolina Judicial Branch handles rental housing disputes

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