Lead Base Paint/Mold/Radon

When selling, leasing, or renovating a property you must provide the buyer or tenant with the proper lead paint warning booklets, and include the addendums in your sale or lease agreements. Both the Federal government and the City of Philadelphia’s Lead Paint laws are similar. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates for disclosures for leases and purchases. The disclosure forms can be found here. The Philadelphia Code uses similar disclosures for every lease or purchase agreement. The Philadelphia Code under § 6-805 requires every contract for sale of residential housing or rental agreement relating to a property constructed prior to 1978 to contain lead warning statements. The statements can be found here. Philadelphia landlords are now required to test and certify rental properties as lead-safe or lead-free in order to execute a new or renewed lease or receive or renew a rental license with the City of Philadelphia. Effective October 2020, these requirements apply to all residential properties, but in a zip code phase-in process covering the entire city by 2022. Please visit here for additional information. Non-compliance of the lead paint laws can lead to imposition of fines including:

  • Under the EPA civil liabilities can be up to $37,500. Criminal Liabilities can be up to $50,000 or imprisonment up to one year or both. For more information click here.
  • Under the Philadelphia Code § 6-811 any person who fails to comply with the provisions can be fined up to $2,000 per offense. Each day of non-compliance shall constitute a separate offense. For more information click here.

Household Mold

Molds are part of the natural environment and can be found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Mold is not usually a problem unless it begins growing indoors. The best way to control mold growth is to control moisture. The United States Environmental Protection Agency provides information and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to prevent the growth of mold. To find out more information about residential household mold, click here.

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. You can’t see or smell radon. Testing is the only way to know your level of exposure. Radon can have a big impact on indoor air quality. The United States Environmental Protection Agency provides helpful information relating to radon. It provides information and guidance for homeowners and renters. To find out more, click here.