Posted: | January 12, 2023 11:47 AM |
---|---|
From: | Representative P. Michael Sturla |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Lead Testing Requirement for Landlords |
In 1978, the federal government banned consumer usage of lead-based paint. It was estimated in 2016 that 70% of Pennsylvania’s housing stock at that time was built before 1978. Current law requires landlords to disclose the presence of lead in rental properties only if they know it exists. Thus, a loophole exists where landlords can honestly disclose that they have no knowledge of the existence of lead hazard if they never have their property tested. As a result, I plan to soon introduce legislation that would require a lead test for any residential structure built prior to 1978 that is being rented or leased. These tests would not need to be administered every time the property is re-rented or leased, but the results and date of the test would need to be supplied to those occupying the premises. It also would require every municipality to maintain a list of the lead test results for these properties. While this bill would not prohibit the rental or leasing of the property, it would make for an informed renter or leasee. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB681