Lead Paint Safety for Renters in Washington

Living in a safe, healthy home is your right as a renter in Washington. If your rental was built before 1978, there’s a risk it could contain lead-based paint—an invisible hazard that can harm children and adults. Knowing your rights and your landlord’s legal obligations is the first step to reducing dangers from lead in your apartment or house.

What Are Lead-Based Paint Hazards?

Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes built before 1978. Breathing in or swallowing chips, dust, or soil from this paint can cause serious health problems, especially for children or pregnant women. In Washington, laws protect renters by requiring disclosures and prompt repairs to hazards.

Your Rights: Disclosure and Information Requirements

If you rent a property built before 1978, your landlord is required by federal and Washington law to:

• Disclose all known information about lead-based paint and hazards in the home.
• Give you the EPA pamphlet: Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home.
• Provide a completed Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form before you sign or renew a lease.

This helps ensure you are aware of any potential risks and enables you to take steps to protect your household.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form

• Form name: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form for Rental Properties
• When/how used: Your landlord must give you this form before you sign a new lease or renew a lease on a home built before 1978. By signing it, you acknowledge receiving all required lead hazard info.
• Download the official EPA Lead Disclosure Form

Never sign a lease for an older rental without reviewing this document and the EPA booklet first.

Landlord Responsibilities Under Washington Law

State and federal law require landlords to keep rental units habitable and free from serious health threats. This includes addressing and repairing lead-based paint hazards. Under the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18), landlords must:

• Respond to written tenant notices about lead hazards.
• Make necessary repairs to reduce lead exposure as quickly as possible.
• Follow all EPA safety standards during repairs or renovations.

If your landlord is not responding, you may be able to take further action—see steps below.

How to Act If You Suspect a Lead Hazard

If you believe your home contains dangerous lead-based paint, here’s what you can do:

• Request the lead disclosure form and EPA pamphlet from your landlord (if you haven’t received them).
• Send a written notice to your landlord describing the problem, such as peeling paint or lead dust. Keep a dated copy for your records.
• If your landlord does not fix the problem, contact your local health department or file a complaint with a housing authority.
• In emergencies or if your health is at risk, seek help from the Washington Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Program.

Enforcement and Where to Get Relief

If your landlord is not fulfilling their legal duties, you may contact the Washington State Landlord-Tenant Program for guidance. Housing disputes in Washington may also be addressed through the Washington State Courts, which handle landlord-tenant claims under the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act.
You always have the right to a safe and healthy rental. Enforcing lead paint safety laws protects everyone.

FAQs: Washington Renters and Lead Paint

1. What if my landlord won't give me a lead paint disclosure?
   Your landlord must provide the disclosure before signing a lease for any pre-1978 home. Remind them in writing of this legal requirement. If they still refuse, you can seek help from the Washington Attorney General’s office or your local health department.
2. Can I break my lease if the landlord won’t fix lead paint hazards?
   Consult with a legal aid service or the Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Program about your options. Under certain conditions, unaddressed lead hazards may provide grounds to break a lease, but follow all required steps.
3. What health risks are linked to lead paint?
   Lead exposure can cause learning disabilities, developmental delays, and organ damage, especially in children and pregnant women. Promptly address any suspected hazards.
4. Do I need to test for lead myself?
   You are not required to, but you can hire a certified inspector or request local health department testing, especially if the home was built before 1978.
5. Is my landlord required to remove lead paint in all cases?
   They must take action to repair hazards that create dangerous conditions, such as peeling, chipping, or deteriorating paint, but not all intact painted surfaces need removal.

Key Takeaways

• Renters in Washington must receive lead paint disclosures before signing a lease on any home built before 1978.
• Landlords are legally required to address and repair any lead-based paint hazards in rental properties.
• If your concerns are not addressed, use official complaint channels—your health and safety come first.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• EPA: Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home
• Washington Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Program – For complaints and legal questions
• Washington State Department of Health: Lead Information
• Washington State Courts – Handles formal housing disputes
• Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18)

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1. EPA. “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home.” EPA Lead Disclosure
2. Washington State Legislature. “Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18).” Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act
3. EPA. “Sample Disclosure Form for Rental Properties.” EPA Lead Paint Disclosure Form
4. Washington State Department of Health. “Lead Information.” Lead Information for Washington Residents
5. Washington State Courts. WA State Courts

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