What must landlords disclose if a property was built before 1978?

Landlords are required to disclose the presence of lead paint in properties built before 1978 due to the hazards associated with lead exposure, especially for children. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) established regulations that mandate this disclosure in an effort to protect tenants from health risks. Lead-based paint can cause serious health problems, including developmental issues in children and other serious health effects in adults.

By requiring landlords to inform potential tenants about the risks, regulations ensure that tenants can make informed decisions regarding their rental options. This requirement is rooted in the recognition of lead's dangers and the historical prevalence of lead in older buildings, making it a critical aspect of residential leasing practices.

Other options may be relevant in various contexts but do not hold the same legal weight as the requirement for lead paint disclosure. For instance, while mold issues and pest infestations can certainly affect tenant health and safety, they are not specifically mandated disclosures under federal law in the same way lead paint is.