What must a seller disclose regarding property that may have lead paint hazards?

When it comes to properties that may have lead paint hazards, the correct approach is for the seller to make buyers aware of potential lead hazards. This aligns with federal regulations, such as the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, which requires sellers of homes built before 1978, when lead-based paint was banned for residential use, to disclose known lead paint hazards.

The obligation is to inform potential buyers about the presence of lead paint or any known lead hazards, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding the purchase of the property. This disclosure process serves to educate buyers on the risks associated with lead exposure and offers them the opportunity to take appropriate actions, such as conducting their own inspections.

Choosing to remove all lead paint prior to selling places unnecessary burden on the seller, while providing an inspection report is not mandatory unless lead is known to be present. Additionally, the responsibility to pay for lead paint removal typically falls to the buyer if they choose to undertake that action after the purchase. Thus, the most accurate and relevant requirement for sellers is to ensure that buyers are informed of any potential lead hazards on the property.