Lead paint

Lead paint has its own federal rule, and it applies everywhere in the country. Homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint, and peeling or chipping lead paint is a hazard that needs prompt attention. Federal law requires your landlord to tell you what they know about lead paint before you sign a lease. The landlord must also give you the federal lead paint booklet. If you did not get this information, you can report the landlord to the EPA, the federal environmental agency, at epa.gov/lead/violation.

Ask your landlord for a lead hazard pamphlet (a short booklet) and for what the landlord knows about lead paint. For housing the rule covers, federal law says the landlord must give you these before you are bound by the lease.