Lead Paint Safety Standards for Pennsylvania Renters

Lead-based paint hazards remain a serious concern for many renters in Pennsylvania, especially in homes built before 1978. Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a renter can help you protect your family from the risks of exposure and ensure your landlord follows all health and safety rules under state and federal law.

Understanding Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Rental Housing

Lead can be found in paint, dust, and soil around older homes and apartments. Children and pregnant women are especially at risk for health problems related to lead exposure. Common signs of lead hazards include chipped or peeling paint, especially on windows, doors, and trim.

• Most rental properties built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint.
• Federal law requires landlords to disclose known lead hazards and provide renters with an EPA-approved lead safety pamphlet.
• Pennsylvania state rules add further protections, especially in certain cities and counties.

Your Landlord’s Duties Under Pennsylvania Law

Landlords in Pennsylvania must comply with federal lead disclosure requirements under the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 and ensure rental units are safe and habitable. This includes:

• Giving tenants the Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home pamphlet before move-in.
• Disclosing any known lead paint or lead hazards in the property using the Lead Warning Statement.
• Answering tenant questions about lead hazards honestly and completely.
• Maintaining the property to prevent peeling or chipping paint and making necessary repairs.

How to Recognize and Document Potential Lead Issues

If you suspect there may be lead-based paint hazards in your home:

• Look for old paint that is peeling, cracking, or chipping.
• Watch for dust or paint debris near windowsills, doors, and floors.
• Request the required disclosure documents from your landlord if you have not received them.
• Take dated photographs and make notes about any suspected areas.

Official Forms You Should Know

• Lead Warning Statement and Disclosure Form (no official number):
  When used: Your landlord must provide this form before you sign a lease for any property built before 1978. It confirms disclosure of lead hazards and your receipt of the federal safety pamphlet.
  View and download the Lead Disclosure Form and Sample from the EPA.
• Pennsylvania Department of Health Lead Hazard Complaint Form:
  When used: If your landlord does not address reported lead concerns, you can file this form with the Department of Health to request an inspection or intervention.
  Submit a complaint about lead hazards directly to the PA Department of Health.

Using these forms helps start an official record and can prompt action if health or maintenance concerns are not addressed promptly.

What to Do If Your Landlord Doesn’t Act

Pennsylvania tenants can take steps if landlords fail to meet their duties:

• Submit a written repair request and keep a copy.
• File a complaint with your local health department or the PA Department of Health.
• Contact the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection for assistance.
• If necessary, you may bring cases of persistent violation to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission if discrimination is involved, or use district courts for habitability disputes.

For city-specific programs, like in Philadelphia, reach the Philadelphia Department of Public Health – Lead and Healthy Homes Program.

Relevant Legislation for Renters

• Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (Title X)
• Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951

Pennsylvania’s Landlord and Tenant Act protects renters’ rights to a habitable (safe and healthy) home¹.

FAQs: Lead Safety and Renter Rights in Pennsylvania

1. Do all Pennsylvania rental properties have to follow lead paint safety rules?
   Most do, especially properties built before 1978. Federal law requires certain disclosures and protections for renters, as well as safe maintenance practices.
2. What should I do if my landlord refuses to repair peeling lead paint?
   Send a written repair request and, if ignored, file a complaint with the PA Department of Health or your local health department.
3. Am I allowed to break my lease if there is a lead hazard?
   Not automatically. You must give your landlord a chance to address the hazard first. If unresolved, seek further help from a tenant advocacy group or local tenant court before considering breaking your lease.
4. How can I verify that my child was not exposed to lead in my rental?
   Request a blood lead test from your child’s pediatrician or local health department, especially if you suspect exposure.

Summary: Stay Safe and Know Your Rights

• Ask your landlord for required disclosures and safety information if you rent in an older property.
• Document and report any lead hazards you discover.
• File official complaints if necessary to keep your home safe for you and your family.

Understanding Pennsylvania’s lead safety and tenant laws can protect your health and your rights as a renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Pennsylvania Department of Health – Lead Hazard Complaints
• EPA: Tenants’ Rights under the Federal Lead Disclosure Law
• Pennsylvania Attorney General – Tenants Rights
• Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (discrimination complaints)
• Pennsylvania Magisterial District Courts (handles landlord-tenant disputes)

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1. Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951
2. Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (Title X)

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